The latest CARFAX data estimates released today show more than 137,000 catalytic converters were stolen in 2025, with thousands more estimated stolen at the start of this year. Thieves apparently target these emission-control devices to get at the valuable precious metals they contain, including platinum, palladium and rhodium. Replacement costs can reach $3000, particularly for motorists without comprehensive insurance coverage.
“There are a wide range of vehicles impacted, and most of these are pickup trucks and SUVs, which tend to sit higher off the ground, making it easier for thieves to get in and out,” said Patrick Olsen, Editor-in-Chief at CARFAX. “Experts also tell us that while thieves can make anywhere from $25-$300 for a standard catalytic converter, converters from hybrid vehicles can sell for up to $1400 because they have even more of those precious metals inside.”
Here are the Top Vehicles Most Frequently Targeted Nationwide:
- Ford F-150 pickup truck
- Hyundai Tucson SUV
- Ford Explorer SUV
- Ram 2500 heavy-duty pickup truck
- Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck
- Chevrolet Traverse SUV
- Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickup truck
- Ford EcoSport SUV
- Ford Expedition SUV
- Chevrolet Trax SUV
To protect your vehicles, CARFAX passed along law enforcement recommendations for following safety measures:
- Park securely: Utilize a locked garage whenever possible.
- Choose high-visibility areas: If parking outside, choose well-lit spaces with high foot traffic.
- Upgrade security: Install motion-sensor lights and increase your vehicle alarm’s sensitivity.
- Install a physical deterrent: Consider adding a metal cage or lock around your catalytic converter. Thieves target easy opportunities; adding even a minor challenge can cause them to move on.
- Make identification easier: If possible, engrave your VIN on the catalytic converter. If it is stolen, the VIN can help law enforcement, scrapyards, and pawn shops identify and recover the part.
*AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Beware! Catalytic Converters are Pursued by Thieves
The latest CARFAX data estimates released today show more than 137,000 catalytic converters were stolen in 2025, with thousands more estimated stolen at the start of this year. Thieves apparently target these emission-control devices to get at the valuable precious metals they contain, including platinum, palladium and rhodium. Replacement costs can reach $3000, particularly for motorists without comprehensive insurance coverage.
“There are a wide range of vehicles impacted, and most of these are pickup trucks and SUVs, which tend to sit higher off the ground, making it easier for thieves to get in and out,” said Patrick Olsen, Editor-in-Chief at CARFAX. “Experts also tell us that while thieves can make anywhere from $25-$300 for a standard catalytic converter, converters from hybrid vehicles can sell for up to $1400 because they have even more of those precious metals inside.”
Here are the Top Vehicles Most Frequently Targeted Nationwide:
To protect your vehicles, CARFAX passed along law enforcement recommendations for following safety measures:
*AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.