Why Do Catalytic Converters Get Stolen?

A catalytic converter is a device that converts harmful compounds in exhaust gases to less harmful gasses. Connected to the engine, it falls between the exhaust manifold and muffler. Many studies show that catalytic converters often reduce close to 90% of hydrocarbon emissions, about 85% of carbon monoxide, and around 60% of nitrous oxide during the expected life of a car. For more information, refer to our article to know all about catalytic converters.

The catalytic converter uses a catalyst to convert harmful compounds in your vehicle’s exhaust emissions into less harmful compounds.

The three major harmful compounds are:

• Hydrocarbons (unburned fuel)

• Nitrogen oxides (atmospheric nitrogen reacts with oxygen due to engine heat)

• Carbon monoxide (a by-product of fuel combustion)

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that is harmful to every life form on earth and a major culprit in climate change and global warming. High levels of nitrogen dioxide result in damaging the human respiratory system and lead to chronic lung diseases. Hydrocarbons have long been associated with environmental damage and respiratory problems in humans and animals. A catalytic converter with the help of a catalyst (platinum and palladium) converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water, and nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and oxygen.

In a catalytic converter, the catalyst is made using platinum, rhodium, and palladium. Inside the converter, there is a dense ceramic honeycomb structure that is coated with the catalysts. A honeycomb structure is used as it ensures that gases touch a larger area of the catalyst so that the conversion takes place efficiently. There are two different catalysts used in a catalytic converter:

• The first is a reduction catalyst that uses platinum and rhodium within the honeycomb structure to reduce nitrogen emissions. When nitrogen oxides come in contact with the catalyst metals, they break nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and oxygen gasses.

• The second is an oxidation catalyst that uses platinum and palladium. These catalysts convert carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and turn unburned hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water.

On average, a standard catalytic converter contains around 3-7 grams of platinum, 2-7 grams of palladium, and 1-2 grams of rhodium, but the amount varies from model to model. 

The primary reason behind catalytic converter thefts is the skyrocketing prices of precious metals present inside the catalytic converter. Platinum went from an average of about US$530 per ounce in 2001 to about US$1,200 in 2022. Palladium went from an average price of US$600 per ounce in 2001 to about US$2,800 in 2022. But there is a dramatic rise in the price of rhodium. Averaging around US$1,600 per ounce in 2001, it soared to an average of about US$18,000 in 2022, with a high in 2021 of nearly US$26,000. In proportion to the rise in the prices of these precious metals, catalytic converter thefts are also rising. With modern power tools, thieves remove a catalytic converter just in a few minutes. And, there are no tracking systems on a catalytic converter.

Here are some imperative tips that can prevent catalytic converter theft:

1. Park in well-lit areas whenever possible and if parking in a public parking lot, park near a building entrance or to the nearest road. If you have a personal garage, keep your car in the garage when not in use.

2. Engrave your VIN number or license plate number onto your car’s catalytic converter—this may help alert a scrap dealer when stolen and help in identifying the owner.

3. Contact your insurance provider to ensure against catalytic converter theft. In most cases, comprehensive vehicle insurance covers a stolen catalytic converter.

4. Get the catalytic converter welded to your vehicle. It will deter a thief as it will require too much work to steal.

5. Install a protective clamp or cage for your catalytic converter. This will be a little expensive as it would cost around $190-250.

6. Install an anti-theft device.

Since 1975, catalytic converters have been standard equipment in all US vehicles. By 1981 they were mandatory in all vehicles to meet newly introduced emission regulations. This means that the majority of the cars on the road are at risk. However, some trends indicate that a few kinds of vehicles are at higher risk.

1. Low-Emissions Vehicles / Hybrid vehicles

Low-emission vehicles are designed to have highly effective exhaust systems, meaning they have high-quality catalytic converters—with higher concentrations of precious metals. The car that has the most catalytic converter theft is the Toyota Prius, a very common low-emissions vehicle. 

2. Luxury Vehicles

Luxury cars are at higher risk as the exhaust system in these cars is highly effective and thus very costly. For example, the Ferrari F430 has two converters that cost around $5000 each.

3. Trucks and SUVs

Pickup trucks and SUVs have larger size catalytic converters (i.e., higher content of precious metals) and have some of the easiest catalytic converters to steal because of their higher ground clearance.

Because a catalytic converter is made up of precious metals, replacing it might give you a nightmare. On average, catalytic converter replacement cost ranges between $650 and $2,800 in newer cars. Parts alone will cost around $500 to $2,500 (can go higher depending on brand/type/size) and labour costs around $90 to $190. Also, it’s important to mention that it’s illegal to remove it, purposely or by theft. If you want help in buying a new catalytic converter, you can refer to our ultimate catalytic converter buying guide.