Catalytic converters, you do not consider them until you get in your car only to find the converter that was installed on your vehicle has disappeared. The most significant indication that your catalytic converter could be stolen? A lot of engine noise, and noxious smells emanating from the underside of the vehicle.
What exactly are catalytic converters, and why are they becoming popular with criminals looking to make quick cash? In the beginning they are located in the exhaust system and assist in removing the harmful emissions from the diesel or gasoline engine. They’ve been mandated by the federal government for all new vehicles since 1975.
As per the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) the theft of catalytic converters has increased dramatically because of three precious metals that are found in the converters: palladium, platinum, and rhodium. What are we discussing here? As of the time of article, an ounce Rhodium is priced at around $15,000. To put that in perspective one ounce of gold costs just $1,800.
Based on data collected from the NICB and service reports from auto repair shops across the nation, Carfax determined the 10 vehicles that are most often targeted by catalytic converters.
10. 2001-2021 Toyota Prius
Its Toyota Prius, particularly the second-gen model manufactured between 2004 and 2009, is particularly attractive in the case of Catalytic Converter theft. This is due in part to the fact that the gasoline-electric hybrid’s internal combustion engine doesn’t operate at the same temperature as it does without the motors in the powertrain’s electric counterparts. It’s also ironic that, in light of its green image, this implies that the use of more precious metals was required in the catalytic converters that were used to cleanse the cooler exhaust of the Prius (this decreased in the third-generation version). NICB states that since hybrid vehicles, such as the Prius is less prone to stress on the catalytic converters, these are particularly useful even after many years of usage.
9. 2011-2017 Chrysler 200
The replacement to the much-disliked Sebring Sebring Chrysler 200 was a significant improvement in aesthetics, cabin comfort and performance. We weren’t impressed by the entire 200’s features, including its shaky cabin quality and lack of steering precision-but we were pleased that it was “headed towards the correct direction.” The new 200 was introduced in 2015, and even though it had a more modern design and features however, it also marked the end of the road for the convertible body design. The 200 sedans vanished following the model year 2017 but its popularity is still a big deal among catalytic converter thieves.
8. 1987-2019 Toyota Camry
It is the Toyota Camry is a midsize car that is known for its reliability. In the past, the Camry is available in coupe, sedan wagon, and even convertible form (the model that was later known as Camry Solara). Camry Solara). Its driving excitement isn’t a characteristic typically related to the Camry. However, this car is a magnet for those who want to take advantage of a catalytic converter because this well-known Toyota model is named the eighth position on this list.
7. 1997-2020 Honda CR-V
It is believed that the Honda CR-V helped create the compact crossover SUV, when it was introduced in the 1997 model year. Despite the 25-year-old history of the model, however, people seem to have a strong affinity for the CR-V which is still one of the top-rated SUVs in the market today. If only the CR-V could keep its catalytic converters just as that it’s held onto its loyal customers. The thieves love the CR-V because it’s a breeze to catch cats. Although there are a few items worth a look at that protect the catalytic converter in a car or secure it to the car (each with the aim of preventing theft) In general, the best option is the most basic: place your vehicle in a secure and secure location.
6. 2005-2021 Chevrolet Equinox
In one of our first encounters with the brand-new year 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, we called it”a very accommodating and spacious tall car that offers a wide array of standard features for an affordable price.” Over time the Equinox has evolved with the latest version of Chevy’s five-passenger SUV enhancing on its predecessor’s most user-friendly features. Evidently, buyers looking for a spacious and moderately cost-effective compact vehicle are not the only ones who were impressed with the Equinox. The sixth-place ranking on this list grants Chevy the dubious distinction of being one spot above one of its toughest competitors in the compact SUV segment.
5. 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
Pickup trucks such as those of the Chevrolet Silverado are great when they are towing, hauling or traversing rough terrain. Similar to other pickups on this listing, its all-weather ability and additional space for the ground provided by the Silverado make it easier for criminals to sneak through the pickup’s hefty size and then remove the catalytic converter that it has. In 1999, the stalwart Chevrolet C/K truck lineup passed over to the brand-new Silverado. Over time it has been the Silverado was made available with a range of four-cylinder, inline six V-6 and V-8 engines. The variety is great for those who are looking to buy a truck. It’s also attractive to catalytic converter thieves.
4. 1990 – 22 Ford Econoline/E-Series Ford
You can call it the work van that the time forgot or a reliable vehicle that is able to handle the tough tasks that are thrown at it. This Ford E-series van (also known as the Econoline) has been in existence in a variety of forms since Kennedy was on the Oval Office. It’s still in existence, but only in cutaway chassis for fleets in special cutaway models and in E-350 and E-450 variants. Cutaways aside, once the catalytic converter is taken what is it worth? The NICB estimates that a catalytic converter will fetch anything from”$50 up to $225″ each. It may not seem like a lot but take into account that a thief who is quick and efficient only requires only a few minutes to take one away. A full day’s labor stealing catalytic converters can earn thousands of dollars of illicit profits.
3. 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot
It was only available with relatively low output four-cylinder engines and low-output four-cylinder engines, the Jeep Patriot was never known for its straight-line speed. Although we’ve referred to it as a”no joy ride” the Patriot’s traditional upright Jeep form and low cost made it a popular choice for the majority of customers. Unfortunately, the tiny Jeep’s catalytic converter is to be a popular target for criminals and thieves, with the Patriot getting the third position in this national list of cars targeted for its catalytic converters.
2. 1989-2020 Honda Accord
A hugely popular pickup truck is accompanied by a similarly well-known sedan. It’s the Honda Accord. Honda Accord has been one of the most popular mid-sized sedans for a long time as well as it is a regular winner of the annually held 10Best Cars and Trucks awards. We’ve often praised the Accord for its responsive handling and efficient four-cylinder engine The thieves are more appreciative because the theft of the catalytic converter is a matter of a few minutes using a small circular saw.
1. 1985-2021 Ford F-series
It shouldn’t be it as a shock that the top-selling automobile within North America is the one that is the most often stolen by criminals who steal catalytic converters. There are millions of Ford F-series pickups in operation there’s no shortage of them parked in driveways or garages all over the nation. A purely logistical reason why the F-series is an extremely popular target is that it’s more off the road than the average vehicle. It’s therefore faster and simpler for thieves to slip underneath an F-series to take out it’s catalytic convertor.
