CARFAX IDENTIFIES VEHICLES TARGETED MOST OFTEN FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT

Rhea-AI Summary

Catalytic converter thefts have surged by approximately 977% from 2018 to 2020, with over 14,000 reported incidents. CARFAX highlights the top ten vehicles targeted by thieves, including 1985-2021 Ford F-Series trucks and 1989-2020 Honda Accords. To combat this issue, CARFAX recommends strategies for consumers, such as parking in well-lit areas and installing anti-theft devices. The insights are based on data from over 60,000 service reports collected since 2019, facilitating awareness and prevention for vehicle owners against costly replacements.

Positive

• Increased awareness of catalytic converter thefts can lead to greater preventive measures among consumers.
• CARFAX provides valuable insights and recommendations to help car owners protect their vehicles.

Negative

• The significant rise in catalytic converter thefts represents a growing financial risk for vehicle owners.

The Top 10 Most Targeted Vehicles and What Consumers Can Do to Protect Themselves

CENTREVILLE, Va., May 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Catalytic converter thefts have soared in recent years, thanks in large part to the spiking prices of precious metals. Thieves are removing catalytic converters by cutting them from beneath vehicles, and that can be a rude awakening for car owners. Not only will the car make a loud noise when started, but it can cost owners thousands of dollars to replace that missing catalytic converter.

So just how prevalent is catalytic converter theft? The National Insurance Crime Bureau, which tracks thefts reported to insurance companies, says the number of those reports increased about 977% from 2018 to more than 14,000 in 2020, the most recent year for which data is available.

To help consumers, CARFAX has compiled a nationwide list of the top targets for these precious-metal thieves:

1. 1985-2021 Ford F-Series pickup trucks (F-150, F-250, etc.)
2. 1989-2020 Honda Accord
3. 2007-17 Jeep Patriot
4. 1990-2022 Ford Econoline vans
5. 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks
6. 2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox
7. 1997-2020 Honda CR-V
8. 1987-2019 Toyota Camry
9. 2011-17 Chrysler 200
10. 2001-21 Toyota Prius

Depending on where you're located in the country, certain vehicles are targeted more heavily. We have a break down by region here.

These lists were compiled by looking at CARFAX service reports for catalytic converter replacements from more than 60,000 service shops across the country from 2019 through the first three months of 2022.

Car owners looking to prevent catalytic converter theft should:

• Park in a well-lit area.
• Park in your garage if possible, instead of in the driveway or on the street.
• If you must park in a driveway, consider installing motion sensor security lights.
• Install a catalytic converter anti-theft device. 
• Have a muffler shop etch your vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the converter and spray it with a highly visible, high-heat paint. Doing so enables law enforcement to track converters, which in turn could lead police to the thieves.

To learn more about catalytic converts and why they're stolen:

https://www.carfax.com/blog/catalytic-converters

About CARFAX

CARFAX, part of S&P Global Mobility, helps millions of people every day confidently shop, buy, service and sell used cars with innovative solutions powered by CARFAX vehicle history information. The expert in vehicle history since 1984, CARFAX provides exclusive services like CARFAX Used Car Listings, CARFAX Car Care, CARFAX History-Based Value and the flagship CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™ to consumers and the automotive industry. CARFAX owns the world's largest vehicle history database and is nationally recognized as a top workplace by The Washington Post and Glassdoor.com. Shop, Buy, Service, Sell – Show me the CARFAX™.

S&P Global Mobility is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global is the world's foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets.

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SOURCE CARFAX

FAQ

What caused the rise in catalytic converter thefts?

The increase in thefts is attributed to soaring prices of precious metals.

How much did catalytic converter theft reports increase by?

Reports of catalytic converter thefts grew by approximately 977% from 2018 to over 14,000 in 2020.

What are the top vehicles targeted for catalytic converter theft?

The top targets include the 1985-2021 Ford F-Series, 1989-2020 Honda Accord, and 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot.

What can consumers do to prevent catalytic converter theft?

Consumers can park in well-lit areas, use garages, install motion sensor lights, and add anti-theft devices.

Which organization compiled the data on catalytic converter thefts?

The data was compiled by CARFAX based on over 60,000 service reports.