Cars least likely to have catalytic converters stolen are generally electric vehicles (EVs), older cars (pre-1974), vehicles with low ground clearance, and some models from manufacturers like Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Subaru, VW, Audi, BMW, and certain Hondas, which either have converters with fewer precious metals, place them hard to access (like in the engine bay), or use less valuable designs (like bead converters). Hybrid models, especially older Toyota Prius, are often targeted due to high metal content, while modern EVs have no converters.
There are some cars that are less likely to have their catalytic converter stolen:
Vehicles with advanced security features and lower market desirability tend to have the lowest theft rates. Notable examples include the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Volvo XC60, Volvo XC90, and Subaru Ascent.
Common ways to deter catalytic converter theft include: installing a catalytic converter theft protection device, painting your catalytic converter, parking your car to block access to the part, setting your car's alarm to react to vibration, and engraving your catalytic converter with your car's VIN or other ...
Want to purchase a car that will be safe from potential auto theft? You don't have to buy an ugly or even used car. Some cars, like the BMW, Volkswagen, and Audi are expensive and beautiful machines you can drive with pride, while still avoiding possible theft.
Thieves often avoid high-end vehicles like Mercedes-Benz and newer BMWs because they are more difficult to steal, easily tracked, and too risky to sell or strip. These cars often come with multi-layered security systems, making them less attractive targets.
Yes, steering wheel locks do help prevent theft by acting as a strong visual deterrent and adding a physical barrier, making thieves choose easier targets, but they aren't foolproof and can be defeated by determined criminals with tools like bolt cutters. They are most effective as part of a multi-layered security approach, combining with alarms, immobilizers, or GPS trackers, to stop opportunistic theft rather than sophisticated ones.
Ford F-150
In fact, Carfax ranks the Ford F-150 number one as the car most likely to have its catalytic converter stolen nationwide. Criminals target this model because it sits high off the ground, making it easy for them to crawl under quickly.
Install a Good Cat Shield
These are far more durable and difficult to defeat. Thieves can still remove it and access your converter with an angle grinder, but drilling and sawing won't be very effective. Not only will it cause a lot of noise, but it will take forever to cut through, even with the right tool.
If your catalytic converter has been stolen or you bypass it because it's been having problems, your vehicle will still work. However, without a converter, your car lets out harmful emissions, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
What Are the Safest Cars?
Subaru cars are difficult to steal in comparison to other cars out there. One of the ways that you can't steal a Subaru car is by hotwiring. The technology itself of a Subaru vehicle is completely digital and so revolutionary that something as simple as jump-starting a Subaru is not even an option.
The Hybrid Vehicle Crisis
While hybrids represent less than 1 per cent of all vehicle registrations, they account for 1.6 per cent of all vehicle thefts—a 2.2 times over-representation that highlights their particular vulnerability.
According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag.
Install a catalytic converter protection device that will clamp around the converter. Etch your converter with your vehicle's license plate number in several different locations. This will help police track your property if it is stolen.
Jones says an anti-theft device can help. His shop installs one by bolting a metal shield to the vehicle frame to cover the catalytic converter, which costs about $350, including installation. Other designs resemble a cage or armor plating. “You can buy one online for about $150 and install it yourself,” says Jones.
One method for slowing thieves down is the installation of a catalytic converter guard. This is a heavy-duty aluminum shield that can be installed to block the converter from thieves.
The full top 10 list as reported by Équité:
Toyota Corolla – Most Popular Student Car & Highly Targeted For Catalytic Converter Theft.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports catalytic converter thefts decreased 68% from 2023 to 2024. It's a problem that still exists, but far less frequently than in the recent past.
It's Not A Foolproof Solution
The most damning argument against fitting steering wheel locks in your car is how surprisingly easy it is to bypass it. A well-equipped car thief might have all the tools they need to pick the lock that secures the steering wheel lock in place.
The best anti-theft device depends on your needs, but top choices include visible deterrents like steering wheel locks (e.g., The Club), electronic solutions such as OBD port locks, sophisticated immobilizers (like IGLA or StealStopper), and recovery tools like GPS trackers (e.g., Vyncs), with the key being layering multiple methods for comprehensive protection against both physical and electronic theft.
It is not just keyless cars that can be digitally hacked. Non-keyless cars as well as 433Mhz aftermarket alarm / immobiliser systems can be compromised using a code grabber.