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The 10 Vehicles Most Likely To Have Their Catalytic Converter Stolen

According to new data from Carfax, more than 137,000 catalytic converters were stolen in 2025 alone, and police departments across North America are reporting another uptick in thefts as precious metal prices climb.


The reason is simple: catalytic converters contain valuable amounts of platinum, palladium, and rhodium. While prices have fluctuated over the past few years, rhodium surged past $11,000 per ounce earlier this year before settling around $8,500. Combined with rising platinum and palladium values, the payoff remains attractive enough for thieves willing to crawl under a vehicle with a battery-powered saw.


Not every vehicle is equally vulnerable. Trucks and SUVs are particularly attractive because their higher ride heights provide easier access underneath the vehicle, while some hybrids contain even larger concentrations of precious metals.


These are the 10 vehicles thieves target most often.


By Michael Accardi
The Cost of Being a Victim

For owners without comprehensive insurance coverage, catalytic converter theft can be a costly surprise. Replacement costs can easily reach $3,000 or more depending on the vehicle, and some owners face lengthy repair delays due to parts availability.


Law enforcement agencies say improved tracking laws and tighter regulations on converter sales have helped curb thefts compared to peak levels seen a few years ago.


Still, with precious metal prices remaining high and theft reports increasing, catalytic converters remain one of the most attractive targets for automotive criminals.

the 10 vehicles most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen, The Cost of Being a Victim
10. Chevrolet Trax

The Chevrolet Trax may be one of the more affordable crossovers on sale today, but its popularity makes it an attractive target. High production volumes mean there are plenty on the road, giving thieves countless opportunities to strike in parking lots, apartment complexes, and driveways.

the 10 vehicles most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen, 10 Chevrolet Trax
9. Ford Expedition

Large SUVs sit high off the ground, making converter theft significantly easier. The Ford Expedition's generous ground clearance allows thieves to access the exhaust system quickly without needing to jack up the vehicle, helping place it among the most targeted models.

the 10 vehicles most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen, 9 Ford Expedition
8. Ford EcoSport

The now-discontinued EcoSport remains common in many urban areas, where catalytic converter theft tends to be most prevalent.

the 10 vehicles most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen, 8 Ford EcoSport
7. Ram 3500

Heavy-duty pickups continue to be a favorite target. The Ram 3500 combines easy underbody access with widespread popularity among commercial operators, making it a common victim in theft reports.

the 10 vehicles most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen, 7 Ram 3500
6. Chevrolet Traverse

Family-oriented crossovers aren't immune. The Chevrolet Traverse has become one of the more frequently targeted SUVs.

the 10 vehicles most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen, 6 Chevrolet Traverse
5. Chevrolet Silverado

One of America's best-selling vehicles also happens to be one of the most targeted. The Silverado's ride height and enormous popularity on roads across North America make it a prime candidate for converter theft.

the 10 vehicles most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen, 5 Chevrolet Silverado
4. Ram 2500

Like its bigger 3500 sibling, the Ram 2500 offers thieves plenty of room to work underneath.

the 10 vehicles most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen, 4 Ram 2500
3. Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer has consistently appeared on theft watch lists over the years. Its popularity, combined with SUV ride height, makes it an easy target for organized theft rings.

the 10 vehicles most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen, 3 Ford Explorer
2. Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson has quietly become one of the most targeted vehicles in the country. Strong sales numbers mean there are plenty available, and thieves know exactly where to find them—suburban neighborhoods.

the 10 vehicles most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen, 2 Hyundai Tucson
1. Ford F-150

America's best-selling vehicle tops the list once again. The Ford F-150's sheer numbers make it an obvious target, but its high ground clearance also makes converter removal relatively quick and easy. For thieves looking to maximize their chances of success, few vehicles offer a better combination of accessibility and availability.

the 10 vehicles most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen, 1 Ford F 150
Why Hybrids Remain Especially Vulnerable

While the vehicles above lead overall theft statistics, hybrids deserve special mention. Models like the Toyota Prius and RAV4 Hybrid continue to be targeted by thieves because their catalytic converters contain larger amounts of precious metals.


Since hybrid engines don't run continuously, their exhaust systems generate less heat. To compensate, manufacturers use additional precious metals inside the catalytic converter to maintain emissions performance.


The result is a converter that can be worth significantly more on the black market than one found on a conventional gas-powered vehicle.

the 10 vehicles most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen, Why Hybrids Remain Especially Vulnerable
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