Because they contain metals that are more valuable than gold by the ounce!
Thieves can rip one off a catalytic converter in under a minute and flip it for fast cash. And the worst part? You won’t even know it’s gone until you start your car and it sounds like a jet engine.
The black market demand is skyrocketing, and if you don’t protect your catalytic converter, you’re an easy target.
But don’t worry—by the end of this blog, you will know exactly why people steal catalytic converters, what’s in a catalytic converter, and what you need to do to keep yours safe.
How to tell if your catalytic converter has been stolen?
Lt. Lynch says it takes less than 2 minutes (1 minute 43 seconds to be precise!) to steal a $2,000 catalytic converter, whether in broad daylight or at night!
Once you start your car, you may immediately notice if your catalytic converter has been stolen, as your vehicle will exhibit some clear and immediate symptoms:
- Loud engine noise. Your car will roar loudly when you start it, and the noise will get worse as you accelerate.
- Strong exhaust smell. Since the purpose of the catalytic converter is to filter emissions, a missing one means unusual exhaust fumes or strong smells inside and outside your vehicle.
- Rough acceleration & poor performance. Your car may sputter, jerk, or struggle to accelerate smoothly due to improper exhaust regulation.
- Increased fuel consumption. A missing converter disrupts the oxygen sensors, making your car burn more fuel than usual.
- Visible damage underneath. If you check under your car, you may see a gap in the exhaust system where the catalytic converter used to be, along with cut or broken pipes.
Why do people steal catalytic converters?
- Easy to resell on the black market.
- High-value metals inside the catalytic converter.
- Low risk for thieves with high reward.
- Strong demand for stolen catalytic converters.
- Weak regulations make it harder to track stolen parts.
- Lack of proper security measures. Making them easy targets.
Reason #1: Easy to resell on the black market.
Thieves benefit from stealing catalytic converters by selling them to scrap metal dealers for a profit. The ease of removal and the high demand for these components in the recycling market make them an attractive target.
Scrap metal dealers are adept at identifying and extracting valuable materials from catalytic converters. They possess the knowledge to assess the quality and value of these components, enabling them to offer competitive prices to sellers.
Depending on the vehicle and the precious metals present, a stolen catalytic converter can yield anywhere from $25 to $1,400.
Reason #2: High-value metal inside catalytic converter.
You might wonder why catalytic converters are so expensive. It’s because they contain valuable metals such as palladium, rhodium, and platinum. These metals help the catalytic converters reduce harmful toxic emissions coming from car engines.
This is what a catalytic converter looks like from the inside:
Here are the updated prices for 2025:
- Gold. $2,831.10
- Platinum. $984.40
- Palladium. $1,053.50
- Rhodium. $9,050.00
Comparison with gold.
- Platinum is about 65% cheaper than gold.
- Palladium is slightly more valuable than platinum but still almost 3x cheaper than gold.
- Rhodium is the clear winner, valued at over 3x the price of gold, making it the primary target for catalytic converter thieves.
Reason #3: Low risk for thieves with high reward.
Stealing a catalytic converter is relatively straightforward. Thieves can simply slide under a car, cut out the converter with a saw, and be done in minutes. It’s low-risk as it doesn’t require heavy lifting, complex tools, or specialized knowledge.
The stolen converters can be quickly melted down and resold on the black market, making it difficult to trace back to the original theft.
The resale value of a catalytic converter varies based on its type and the current market prices of precious metals. For instance, in 2025, the average price for a catalytic converter in the U.S. is approximately $293.00 each.
However, certain models can fetch significantly higher amounts. For example, catalytic converters from hybrid vehicles can sell for up to $1,400 due to the higher concentration of precious metals they contain.
Reason #4: Strong demand for stolen catalytic converters.
The demand for recycled metals, particularly the platinum group metals in catalytic converters, is constantly high. Whether it’s for industrial use, jewellery, or even investment purposes, there’s always someone looking to buy these valuable metals.
This makes it easy for thieves to sell the stolen items to scrap metal dealers or recyclers, who are often willing to purchase converters without asking too many questions.
Reason #5: Weak regulations make it harder to track stolen parts.
In many places, the sale of used catalytic converters isn’t tightly regulated. While some scrap yards are more cautious, others may not ask for sufficient proof of ownership or identification.
This lack of regulation makes it easier for thieves to turn their stolen goods into cash without much hassle. As a result, catalytic converters are an attractive target for criminals looking to make a quick, untraceable profit.
Reason #6: Lack of proper security measures.
Catalytic converters are often left vulnerable because they’re not typically equipped with security measures. Unlike car stereos or other high-value parts, converters aren’t usually locked or protected.
This means thieves can take advantage of the fact that they’re easy to access with minimal risk of detection. Many car owners don’t think to secure their catalytic converters, making them an easy target.
Keep reading. We tell you at the end the tried and tested ways to prevent catalytic converter theft!
Is there an alternative to the catalytic converter?
The answer is no! If your catalytic converter is gone, you’ve got three options: replace it, risk fines, or go electric.
OEM & aftermarket catalytic converters.
The best and legal replacement for a stolen or faulty catalytic converter is a new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or aftermarket catalytic converter.
But experienced mechanical engineer Eric, strongly recommends sticking with OEM catalytic converters, even though they’re more expensive. He warns that while aftermarket ones are cheaper upfront, they can end up costing more in the long run due to replacements, sensor failures, and emissions issues.
Mechanics, like Scotty Kilmer, dislike aftermarket catalytic converters based on common issues, saying cheap aftermarket converters often fail to meet OEM efficiency standards, triggering the dreaded “Check Engine” light.
Catalytic converter delete (illegal in most places).
Some car owners remove the catalytic converter and replace it with a straight pipe or a test pipe. This increases performance slightly but also makes the car much louder and increases pollution.
In the U.S., Canada, and most other countries, removing or bypassing a catalytic converter is illegal and can result in heavy fines.
Catalytic converter alternatives (Limited use cases).
Used in diesel vehicles, these reduce soot but do not replace the catalytic function.
- Exhaust scrubbers. Some industrial and experimental exhaust treatments try to reduce emissions without a catalytic converter, but these are not common in consumer vehicles.
- Electric vehicles (EVs). The best long-term solution—EVs don’t need catalytic converters at all because they have no emissions and they are the least stolen vehicles!
How long does it take to replace a catalytic converter?
The time it takes to replace a catalytic converter depends on several factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, whether the part is bolted or welded in, and the mechanic’s experience. Here’s a breakdown:
- Quickest replacement (1–2 hours). If the catalytic converter is bolted in and there’s no significant rust or damage, a professional mechanic can swap it out relatively fast.
- Moderate replacement (2–4 hours). If the converter is welded in, it requires cutting and welding, which adds more time.
- Complex cases (4+ hours). If the catalytic converter was stolen, the thief may have damaged surrounding components (O2 sensors, exhaust pipes), requiring extra repairs.
Additionally, if your vehicle requires an OEM part and it’s on backorder, waiting for the replacement part could take days or even weeks.
Which cars are most likely to have their catalytic converters stolen?
Thieves target vehicles based on two main factors:
- High-value metals. Cars with low emissions (like hybrids) have catalytic converters with more platinum, palladium, and rhodium, making them prime targets.
- Easy access. Trucks and SUVs sit higher off the ground, making it easier for thieves to slide under and remove the catalytic converter in seconds.
Most Targeted Vehicles for Catalytic Converter Theft:
Why are Toyota and Honda vehicles popular targets?
🔹 Toyota Prius. Hybrid vehicles produce lower emissions, requiring more precious metals in their catalytic converters. This makes them more valuable to thieves.
🔹 Honda Accord & Element. These models are among the most sold in the U.S., making their catalytic converters easy to sell or scrap. Their common presence on the roads also makes them frequent targets for theft.
How can you stop someone from stealing your catalytic converter?
Park strategically.
Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a secure, enclosed garage. If that’s not an option, choose well-lit areas with high foot traffic to deter potential thieves. Posting your car close to walls or other vehicles can also make it more challenging for thieves to access the underside.
Install anti-theft devices.
Catalytic converter shields:
It is made from solid aluminium; it provides a durable barrier while allowing proper ventilation. The precision-fit design blocks easy access points, and the no-weld installation ensures a straightforward setup without modifying your vehicle.
Catalytic converter cages:
Heavy-gauge stainless steel cages encase the converter and require more time and effort to cut through.
Welded-in converters:
A DIY solution is to weld in a catalytic converter. Yes! Having your catalytic converter welded to the vehicle can make it harder to steal compared to bolted-in models.
Thieves typically target bolt-on or clamped converters because they can be removed quickly. A welded-in converter requires cutting tools and more time, making it a less attractive target.
Engrave identification formation.
Engraving your vehicle’s license plate number onto the catalytic converter can make it traceable if stolen. This also deters thieves, as marked converters are harder to sell.
Use high-temperature paint.
Applying bright, high-heat-resistant paint to your catalytic converter can make it less appealing to thieves and help authorities identify stolen parts.
Set up alarms and surveillance.
Installing motion-sensitive lights, cameras, or alarms that activate vibrations can alert you to suspicious activity. Some car alarms can be set to respond to vibrations, potentially deterring thieves.
Maintain comprehensive insurance.
Ensure your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage, which typically covers theft of parts like the catalytic converter. Without this coverage, you may be responsible for the full replacement cost.
Now…
If you own an auto dealership or parking lot, securing cars and their valuable auto parts, especially catalytic converters, is crucial. But how do you protect the catalytic converters of hundreds of cars at once?
As a parking lot owner, you might post a sign stating “We’re not responsible for theft,” but the reality is that your reputation and goodwill are at stake if a catalytic converter is stolen from your premises. The consequences go beyond just the cost of replacing it—it’s about the trust your customers have in you.
Businesses across North America have turned to live remote video monitoring as the only reliable solution to safeguard against theft and vandalism.
Why? Because it’s proactive. It’s fast. It doesn’t just sit there waiting for something to happen. It acts before an issue escalates.
Remote video monitoring.
Remote Video Monitoring combines human expertise with the power of AI, offering a level of protection that’s faster, smarter, and more effective than anything else out there.
Here’s the thing—when you strategically place CCTV cameras, you’re not just watching what happens, you’re building a fortress. These aren’t your average cameras.
We’re talking high-resolution, next-gen video analytics that can detect intrusions, spot suspicious activity, and track movement—in real time. You’re creating an intelligent security perimeter that doesn’t just respond to threats, it prevents them.
Conclusion:
Catalytic converter theft? It’s simple: high-value metals, low effort, and huge rewards. Thieves target these parts because they contain platinum, palladium, and rhodium—metals that are as valuable as, or even more valuable than, gold.
And the best part for them? It takes minutes to steal, and they can flip it for cash almost instantly. No wonder the demand is skyrocketing.
But here’s the kicker: the weak regulations and lack of security make it an open invitation for thieves. Contact us today for a customized security solution for your business.
