Catalytic converter theft from cars isn’t a new crime, but it has increased significantly in recent times.
Police forces around the UK are advising owners of any car fitted with a catalytic converter to take precautions. In Toyota’s case it is second and third-generation Prius models (2004-2009 and 2009-2016 respectively) and second-generation Auris Hybrids (2012-2018) which have been particular targets for thieves.
Below we’ve gathered the best advice for Toyota owners who may be concerned.
What is a catalytic converter?
The catalytic converter is part of the car’s emissions control system. It cleans up the exhaust gases before they are expelled from the car through the exhaust pipe. Its internal elements react with the gases, breaking them down into less harmful substances and water vapour. All new cars sold in Europe since 1993 have had to be fitted with a catalytic converter by law.
Why are they a target for thieves?
Clearly the police are best placed to offer advice on the motives behind this crime. But we understand that the value of the catalytic converter for recycling is the main attraction to thieves, because it contains precious metals such as rhodium, platinum and palladium.
What can owners do to stop their cars being targeted?
Some owners have chosen to tag their catalytic converters with an invisible yet traceable forensic marking solution, such as that provided by SmartWater. This means that a stolen catalytic converter can be traced to a specific crime, helping police in their attempts to fight the organised gangs responsible. It also raises the risk to all those handling the devices along the criminal chain, from theft to eventual disposal and recycling. Mechanical theft prevention products such as Catloc devices can also deter thieves.
However, it must be noted that catalytic converter theft is a criminal operation and the scope of owners is therefore limited. Police forces are taking action, so it is important for anyone who is a victim of this crime to report it as quickly as possible.
In the main, older cars are more likely to be targeted. This is because advances in efficiency and technology mean the latest generations of catalytic converters contain vastly lower amounts of precious metals, while still doing their job just as well or even better. This means their value for recycling is very low and they are not attractive to thieves.
Does a mechanical lock give my car 100% protection from thieves?
Sadly not. It can make theft more difficult but thieves are using high-powered cutting tools to remove catalytic converters and because of this it is not possible to make them ‘unstealable’. A mechanical locking device makes it harder to steal a catalytic converter because it slows down thieves and therefore acts as a deterrent.
If I’m worried about my Toyota model, what should I do?
If you are worried about potential catalytic converter theft from your Toyota, we recommend you use our locator tool to find your nearest Toyota centre and contact them to discuss the best way to protect your car.
This article was last updated on 2 November 2024, so some of the responses to reader comments below have been superseded by more recent information.
Hi, I am from Dublin, I couldn’t find any dealers installing catloc here in Dublin? They don’t seem to know what catloc is either.
Thanks,
Raja
Hi Raja,
Thanks for getting in touch. We would recommend contacting Toyota in your region for further help with this.
Thanks.
Toyota Ireland doesn’t want to install Catlocs because I quote ‘they are not original Toyota parts’.
So I had to drive all the way to a Toyota dealership in Northern Ireland to get mine installed…
Are the new RAV 4 cars prone to this theft? I have ordered one and am expecting delivery in November . Should not the hybrids come ready fitted now with the cat locks?
Aashish
Hi there,
Thanks for the message. We have developed Catlocs for models deemed most at risk, at this time this doesn’t include RAV4. As we have reduced the quantity of precious metals in catalytic converter design over time, older models seem more attractive to thieves.
Thanks.
Toyota,
My Auris was targeted by thieves in August with the catalytic converter stolen. It is still with the repairers waiting for the part and I have no date for when it will be ready.
I see this as a quality and security failure that is the responsibility of the manufacturer, to leave a high value part of the car in a position so easily accessible to thieves. It is also completely unacceptable to take this long to make the necessary parts available for such a huge global company.
I have had 2 Toyota cars in recent years and have been satisfied overall with my experience until this incident. I feel that having been a victim of crime due to the failings of this vehicle, and incurred significant costs and inconvenience as a result, I would not wish to have another Toyota car in the future. I will be selling the vehicle as soon as it is repaired.
Furthermore, I believe that Toyota should offer an immediate solution to the situation and some level of compensation for the losses incurred.
Hi Nik,
Thanks for getting in touch with us. We are incredibly sorry you have been a victim of this crime. We take each case of this thefts incredibly seriously and are assessing then on an individual basis to allow us to provide the best support. With this in mind, we will email you directly regarding opening a customer relations case on your behalf.
Thanks.
Hi Nick, I have just done so. I only had the car 8 days. I took it back when it was fixed to the garage and asked for my money back. They said no because it was not brought back in the same condition it was sold. Obviously not. However they then went on to offer me £3000 less than I paid for it. So I am now extremely out of pocket but given the circumstances its probably the best I could have done. I did not want that car in my possession for longer than 24 hours as there is absolutely nothing to stop this happening again.
I have ordered a new RAV4 and delivery is expected in November. Do the new vehicles come with the catlocs to secure against the catalytic converter theft?
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch. Congratulations on your new RAV4. We don’t currently have a Catloc available for RAV4 as they are only designed for the models deemed most at risk. As we have reduced the quantity of precious metals in catalytic converter design over time, older models seem more attractive to thieves.
Thanks.
It impacts the new build as well. To be honest all low emitting Toyota are at risk.
I’m victim of catalytic Convertor theft which is stolen on 14th October 2019 from my Toyota Prius 2008. Very frustrating. I request Toyota to send a warning letter to all their customer so they can save their expensive vehicles. I have reported to the police let’s see what Toyota and police doing about it.
Hi there,
Thanks for your message. We are incredibly sorry you have been targeted by criminals. We will email you in regards to opening a customer relations case on your behalf.
Thanks.
Dear Toyota
I had my catalytic converter stolen from outside my house, on my driveway, my car had been serviced just six weeks ago, so I ask the question why was I not made aware that this prolific crime was taken place, and at the time was a Catloc not fitted, I had a casing that was fitted, so now would only assume that this crime had already taken place.. to say I am so dissatisfied with Toyota is an understatement, I am left without a car and having to not only still be paying for my car, but having to revert to taking the bus, there is currently a 6 to 8 weeks wait as this is currently on a back order so could possibly be 10/12 weeks, Toyota we definitely need compensation for this as you have provided us with a car which is at the highest risk of theft, and the loss which is incurred through our insurance and absolute distress in keeping a car which we are terrified in having once repaired, or selling at a loss, this is certainly turned out to be a nightmare senario.
Hello what of a Catloc for other Toyota hybrid models (not that the catloc stops the catalytic converter theft?), I have a 2018 RAV4 hybrid…………….
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch. We have developed Catlocs for models deemed most at risk. At this time this doesn’t include 2018 RAV4. As we have reduced the quantity of precious metals in catalytic converter design over time, older models seem more attractive to thieves.
Currently, thieves seem to be targeting Gen 2 and 3 Prius and Gen 2 Auris.
Thanks.
After my Catalytic converter was stolen in July, I will finally receive my car ‘fixed’ on Friday 18th October. The problem is that Jemca Toyota Enfield do not have any CATLOCS in stock and they do not have any ideea when this product will be available.
After all this stress with the Catalytic converter, the problems do not finish here.
What do I need to do now?
What product do I need to buy to ‘make safer’ my car?
If I will buy a different brand of CATLOC and not one from Toyota, will my waranty be affected?
Hi there,
Thanks for getting back in touch. We have passed your comments over to our customer relations team and someone will be in touch with you soon.
Thanks.
Another victim here. Tried emailing and got the usual copy/paste answer “sorry you’re a victim, catloc has marine grade steel, we’re doing our best…” but where’s the personal touch that we had when we bought the car? We had a dedicated after sales man who took care of everything. Now when I call my local Toyota, they just want to get me off the phone!
So let’s try this forum and please don’t provide the usual apology and generic answer – it’s rather insulting.
Could someone please raise a case with a senior customer relations team member to contact me. I have questions that I need answering and so far no one at Toyota seems to care
Hi Robert,
Thanks for your message. We are sorry you have been a victim in this and have emailed you regarding opening a customer relations case.
Thanks.
My Lexus Rx400h catalytic converter was stolen last week (they have stolen it from 3 Lexus in the same street in the same day). This is epidemic. Brought my car to Lexus dealer and answer is they have no idea when the part will be in and if a Catloc is available for this model. I did the MOT 1 month ago with the same dealer (as for the last 9 years) and NOBODY warned me about what was going on with this issue around London and the UK. I find it unacceptable as I could have installed the Catloc back then. Looking forward to repair it and sell the car the day after. I don’t think I want to hear from Lexus/Toyota ever again.
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch. We are incredibly sorry you have been impacted by this crime. We will email you in regards to opening a customer relations case on your behalf, if this is something you would be interested in.
Thanks.