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.
Looking at the Cat Locks, they seem very flimsy, and if using a power tool to saw through the exhaust pipe, then they’re just going to saw through the lock as well.
I suppose there is one Toyota model that’s immune from Cat theft – the BZ4X!
Hi. I own a Toyota Corolla Touring Sport 2.0 VVT-i Hybrid Excel 5dr CVT 69. Sorry if this is a dumb question, but is my car fitted with a catalytic converter? I need to know so I can take the appropriate steps. Thank
Hi Ridwan,
Thanks for your comment.
Your Corolla is fitted with a catalytic converter.
Please provide your full vehicle registration if you would like us to check what safety features are available to you.
Thanks.
My Toyota Auris had its catalytic converter stolen last week. I heard the noise, but didn’t know what was going on? My neighbours have had so much building work done, that I thought it could be that? It took the thieves less than 4 minutes to cut out the catalytic converter. From the clattering noise and sound of an angle grinder to silence. The only evidence the next morning was the gravel pushed slightly up against the drivers side wheel. Upon moving the car, the deafening noise. On the gravel indentations, it could be seen that a 3 legged jack had been used.
Hi Sandra, thanks for reaching out to us.
We’re really sorry to hear that you’ve been affected by this crime.
We have tried to make sure that as many customers as possible have been informed through publishing police advice about the crime online as soon as it was received, writing to our dealer network to inform customers and writing directly to vehicle owners where details have been available to do so.
As catalytic converters contain precious metals, any car containing one is in theory at risk of theft. Over time, we have reduced the precious metal content of our catalytic converters by up to 84% and currently produce CatLocs for vehicles considered most at risk, but criminals are using high-grade power tools that are difficult for any manufacturer to completely protect against.
Once again, we are sorry that your vehicle has been targeted by thieves and for the distress that this crime has caused.
If you would like to raise your situation further, we would recommend contacting our Customer Relations team directly. You can do so here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Thanks.
Unhappily I have just joined the ‘my catalytic converter was stolen’ club – I own an Auris Hybid. To add insult to injury, my insurance company (Covea) have deducted a further £100 in addition to the excess of £350 – their reasoning being that the car’s resale value will increase as a result of having a new cat – they also told me that, whilst not a legal requirement, catalytic converters should be replaced every 5 years! I’ll get a CatLoc fitted as soon as I get the car back, and I’m considering getting rid of the car, replacing it with a less vulnerable one – guessing resale value will have dropped given the reputation that the Auris Hybrid now has.
Hi Jon, thanks for reaching out to us.
We are very sorry to hear that you’ve been affected by this crime.
As catalytic converters contain precious metals, any car containing one is in theory at risk of theft. Over time, we have reduced the precious metal content of our catalytic converters by up to 84% and currently produce CatLocs for vehicles considered most at risk, but criminals are using high-grade power tools that are difficult for any manufacturer to completely protect against.
Please be aware we are constantly monitoring this situation and are doing all we can to support our customers that have been impacted by this horrible crime.
Once again, we are sorry that your vehicle has been targeted by thieves and for the distress that this crime has caused.
If you would like to raise your situation further, we would recommend contacting our Customer Relations team directly. You can do so here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Thanks.
Our Auris just had the Cat stolen last weekend and the car has been sat in the garage since with no idea when the parts will be available. Apparently they’re out of stock and on back order. The car is in an approved Toyota RRG garage.
How long is it taking at the moment to get a new catalytic converter for the auris petrol hybrid 2016?? We really need the car for work and have a baby so not having the car for a long time is very difficult. If we know how long it could be we can try to plan other options. Our insurance & the garage can’t provide a courtesy car either so we’re stuck without a vehicle after spending a lot to buy the car only less than a month ago. This is causing so much stress right now.
Hi Anna, thanks for reaching out to us.
We are very sorry to hear that you’ve been a victim of this horrible crime and for the distress that this has caused.
This crime is being perpetrated by organised criminal gangs using power tools, and we are working with the police and various other agencies to put a stop to it.
We are sorry for the delay in receiving a new Catalytic Converter. Unfortunately, this is due to factors which are beyond our control. Your Toyota Centre are best placed to advise you on the lead times for this part.
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact our Customer Relations Team. You can find them here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Thanks.
I recently had my Cat stolen from my RAV4. I had 3 stolen from my 09 Prius previously, so when we bought the RAV4 we were assured by the Toyota salesman that they would have to steal the car to steal the Cat. Sadly not the case. The replacement cost was £1400 and the excess £400! So very costly. I don’t know what it’s going to do to my insurance! Toyota UK don’t have a Cat shield for the RAV4, so I have had get one shipped from US, as we’re too scared to leave it in a car park. They have agreed to fit the Cat shield, which is good. We wait to see if this works!
Hi Paul,
We are very sorry to hear that you have been affected by this horrible crime.
Please let us know if there is anything further we can do to assist you at this time.
Thanks..
Thanks for your reply. I would suggest that the Cat Shield for the RAV4 Hybrid be made available in this country. Like it is for the Prius. It is clear that the RAV4 is not low risk as has been indicated in previous replies to posts. In addition that the sales force are properly trained to explain that RAV4 is vulnerable to attack. It would also make business sense for stainless steel cat shields to be fitted as standard to deter the criminals.
So after 4 cats stolen in the last 5 years I thought I would look at Toyota insurance for my renewal. Having gone through the online process – I got the message- sorry we can’t offer you insurance! I’m having to stick with my current insurer and paying over £1000. Why can’t Toyota offer insurance for people who have had there cat stolen multiple times? It doesn’t say much for Toyota as a company as far as can see. Toyota grateful for your views other than just a bland cut and paste response.
Hi Paul, thanks for your comment.
We are really sorry to hear that you’ve been a victim of Catalytic Converter theft.
We apologise for the distress and inconvenience this has caused.
Our Customer Relations Team are best placed to advise you on your query. They can be contacted here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Many thanks.
Hi thanks for your advice about contacting your consumer advice team about being turned down by Toyota insurance after multiple thefts of my catalytic converter. I would be very grateful if you could ask why they have not replied to my query.
Morning Paul,
We’re sorry you haven’t heard anything yet.
You can call the Customer Relations Department directly on 0344 701 6202. They re-open tomorrow morning.
Thank you.
The catalyst converter of our auris 2013 hybrid has just been stolen. I’m shaking and haven’t been able to go back to sleep since it happened (1:30am). It is now 6am. We have a rav4 2022 that we got less than a month ago parked right in front on the affected auris. Reading that rav4 is also vulnerable has risen my panic level significantly. The thieves must have seen the rav4 while they operated on the auris. I’m scared that they may decide to come back for the rav4’s. I plan to reach out to the nearest RRG to me. Hopefully, they’d have suggestions to help deter the bad guys and therefore reassure me.
It is quite an investment to get these cars. It is so heartbreaking that there isn’t much that can be done to make sure that these incidents cease.
Hi Karine, thanks for reaching out to us.
We are very sorry that you’ve been a victim of this horrible crime.
Technically, any car fitted with a catalytic converter is at risk of theft, but organised criminal gangs have been targeting some of our older hybrid models due to the higher amount of precious metals within the catalytic converter. These materials were fitted to make the catalytic converter more efficient at removing harmful emissions, making the car cleaner. There was no way we could have envisaged the value of these materials rising so high in the last few years.
As our hybrid systems have become more efficient, our newer models have up to 84% reduced precious metal content in the catalytic converter, making them less attractive to thieves.
This is a criminal issue, and we working with various agencies, including the Police, to try to put a stop to it.
Once again, we are very sorry that this has happened to you and for the distress that this has caused. We hope you are back on the road soon.
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact your Customer Relations Team here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Thanks.
I had to replace a stolen catalytic converter which was made traceable under the Toyota scheme. Additionally I had a catloc fitted but it rattles so much my car is virtually unusable at 30mph.
Following several visits to Steven Eagell who fitted the catloc, and hours spent emailing Toyota customer relations, I am no nearer getting this issue resolved. My Toyota / Lexus specialist mechanic says it is poorly fitted but he can’t remove to refit without destroying the anti interference bolts. Toyota customer relations asked me to take it back to Steven Eagell to get photos taken (as if that would show why it rattles) I took it back to Steven Eagell for a third time and then Toyota customer relations complained to me that the photos Steven Eagel provided to them were poor quality.
It’s a (very bad) joke. Toyota are apparently just conspiring with Steven Eagell to run the clock down and I am left lumbered with this faulty device. This whole episode has cost me hundreds of pounds in wasted time, labour, and faulty equipment / installation. So due to the incompetence of the mighty Toyota corporation and particularly their useless UK dealerships, I am left with a car that I now can’t stand to use. Typical ripoff poorly regulated Britain. I bet this would not happen in any other country.
You pay for something that is not fit for purpose that’s just too bad…of course Toyota are dedicated to customer service….and are brilliant at lip service
They just can’t design or fit catlocs. PATHETIC.
My next car will be ……..any other brand
Hi,
I have just got a RAV4 VVT-I Dynamic estate hybrid car with a 69 plate and already worrying on the catalytic converter theft issue. Looking at the comments/questions raised here , I wanted to check –
1) If my car has a catalytic converter that’s more secured now as opposed to the models before ?
2) If Toyota got a Cat shield or something that is free and can be fitted to act as a deterrent?
3) If there is any advice or help you can provide to help me stop this to greater extent at least please ?
The price for these are pretty high up and then you have these issues – really stressful and heart breaking!
Thank you.
Hi Pamir, thanks for your questions.
We understand the distress and worry this siutation may cause.
Technically, any vehicle fitted with a Catalytic Converter is at risk of theft, but organised criminal gangs have been targeting some of our older hybrid models due to the higher amount of precious metals within the catalytic converter.
Please may you provide your Vehicle Registration so that we can check which protective measures are available for your RAV4.
Many thanks.
Dear Toyota Support
A few weeks ago the catalytic converter from my Prius was stolen. My car was parked at a friend’s house and I was not there at the time.
It took the thieves about 3 minutes to get under the car and remove the cat. When my friend went out to confront them, they threatened him with a large iron bar. Thankfully my friend escaped serious injury, but he could have been killed or suffered life changing injury.
The Police were called immediately. When they arrived they simply said that the thieves were unlikely to be caught and that thefts of catalytic converters were now so common and so easily accomplished that they did not have the resources to investigate. They gave us a number for the insurance company and left.
I then had to pay £400 excess on my insurance, lost 8 years no claims bonus and will certainly have to pay an increased insurance premium next year and in following years.
I have since been told by Toyota that they will supply and have fitted a Smartwater system to my new catalytic converter so that it can be identified if it’s stolen again.
Toyota also suggested I buy a Catloc device to deter future thefts – this at a cost of over £300.
All of this brings several observations and questions –
1 – For the Smartwater system to work the thieves would have to try and sell the stolen converter to an honest dealer who would then take the time and trouble to check the Smartwater database or report the matter to the Police.. A dishonest dealer would simply buy from the thieves and fit the stolen device to someone else’s car – in which case neither the new owner, the Police, Toyota or Smartwater would know anything about it unless someone looked under the car and examined the exhaust.
2 – How many thieves does Toyota think are likely to approach an honest dealer with a stolen converter?
3- When they designed the car, Toyota would have known that the catalytic converter contains precious metals and would be vulnerable to theft. So why did they not design the car to avoid that possibility?
4 – Given that Toyota designed their cars in such a way as to make it quick an easy to remove and steal such an expensive part, why are they not taking responsibility for their lack of foresight and negligence?
5 – Why – given the above – are Toyota not providing a suitable and functional anti theft device to their customers at their cost?
Toyota did not steal my catalytic converter, but they certainly facilitated the theft by their appalling design decisions, lack of foresight and apparent lack of concern for their customers. All of which are inexcusable given that Toyota are one of the world’s largest car manufacturers and given that they have more experience in the design and manufacture of cars than most companies.
I await Toyota’s answers with interest.
Hi Faruk, thanks for your comment.
We are extremely sorry to hear that you’ve been affected by this horrible crime. We understand the distress this situation causes and apologise for this.
This crime is being perpetrated by organised criminal gangs using power tools, and we are working with the police and various other agencies to put a stop to it. This is an ongoing issue, which we are constantly monitoring.
We would recommend reading this article for further information on SmartWater marking: https://mag.toyota.co.uk/smartwater-forensic-protection/.
In answer to your question regarding the precious metals used in our Catalytic Converters, these materials were fitted to make the catalytic converter more efficient at removing harmful emissions, making the car cleaner. There was no way we could have envisaged the value of these materials rising so high in the last few years. As our hybrid systems have become more efficient our newer models have up to 84% less precious metal content in the catalytic converter, making them less attractive to thieves.
SmartWater marking is free of charge at your Toyota Centre and as well as this, we have developed and are supplying theft deterrent devices at zero profit to Toyota UK such as CatLocs, tilt alarms, bolt caps and component etching to protect consumers from further attacks. We would recommend contacting your Toyota Centre to discuss the protective measures available for your vehicle.
Once again, we are very sorry for thhe distress and inconvenience this crime has caused. We hope you are back on the road soon.
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact our Customer Relations Team. They can be found here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/iframe/https%3A%2F%2Fforms.toyota.co.uk%2Fcontact-us.
Thanks.