What Jeep Owners Need to Know About Catalytic Converter Theft
If you drive a Jeep, you’re going to need to know how to protect it from catalytic converter theft—and we’ve got the answers here.
Written by Macy Fouse
Reviewed by Hillary Kobayashi
While Jeeps aren’t the most targeted car brand for catalytic converter theft, that doesn’t mean it’s not a possibility—especially for certain Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass models.
Jeeps don’t have the most valuable catalytic converters on the market, but with so many models on the streets and higher ground clearance, they can still be popular targets for
catalytic converter thieves
. That’s why it’s crucial for you to know if your Jeep is at risk, how to protect it from potential theft, and what car insurance
coverage can help in the aftermath. Why are Jeep catalytic converters being stolen?
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports that rates of catalytic converter theft have shot up in the last few years. While Jeep models aren’t often the most popular targets, they’re also not immune to the trend either.
Jeeps are usually only targeted by thieves who are either desperate or aren’t aware that different makes have different values. Jeep catalytic converters generally aren’t worth as much as other makes, like
Honda
or Toyota
. However, Jeep models can be easy targets for two reasons: ground clearance and popularity. The higher the ground clearance a vehicle has, the easier it is to slip under and cut out the catalytic converter without any special equipment. Since many Jeep models are created with higher ground clearance for off-roading purposes, they’re easy targets for thieves.
Jeeps are also extremely popular vehicles, selling close to a million models in the US some years, making them more accessible vehicles in general.
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What is a catalytic converter?
What’s the big deal about these parts anyways? Well, your Jeep’s catalytic converter is an essential part of the emissions and exhaust system. Thanks to this part, toxic exhaust fumes are converted into less harmful gasses so we aren’t all breathing in carbon monoxide and other poisonous chemicals on a daily basis.
To do that, the gases go through a fine honeycomb of precious metals, including palladium, platinum, and rhodium. The value of these metals has gone up significantly, making catalytic converters a hot commodity on the black market.
Not only are catalytic converters lucrative to resell, but they’re also pretty easy to steal. For most vehicles, the catalytic converter is located under the car near the muffler, so it’s possible to cut them out quickly without being noticed.
If your Jeep is making a
lot of exhaust noise
all of the sudden, your muffler may be failing…but it could also mean someone nicked your catalytic converter while you were parked on the curb.The Jeep models most targeted by catalytic converter thieves
No matter what kind of Jeep you drive, your catalytic converter could be at risk for theft—but a few Jeeps are more at-risk than others. According to CARFAX, the 2007 to 2017 Jeep Patriot models are one of the most targeted vehicles for theft.
Other models that may have a higher risk of theft are the 2007 to 2021 Jeep Compass models as well as Jeeps with higher ground clearance, like Jeep Gladiators and Jeep Wranglers.
Jeep catalytic converter replacement costs
If you’ve been the unfortunate victim of a catalytic converter theft, you’ll have to get it replaced. According to RepairPal, here’s how much you can expect to pay for the most popular Jeep models:
Model | Average cost to replace catalytic converter |
|---|---|
$1,875 – $1,956 | |
$2,029 – $2,125 | |
$2,914 – $2,958 | |
$3,548 – $3,590 | |
$1,649 – $1,678 | |
$2,127 – $2,297 | |
$1,875 – $1,956 | |
$3,847 – $3,883 | |
$4,620 – $4,661 | |
Jeep Wagoneer | $1,649 – $1,678 |
Jeep Grand Wagoneer | $2,127 – $2,297 |
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You’ll pay more for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) catalytic converter than you would for an aftermarket replacement part, but you’ll still be paying a pretty penny to replace your catalytic converter no matter where you go to get it done.
How to protect your Jeep catalytic converter from theft
To lower your chances of being the next victim of a catalytic converter theft, you can implement these simple techniques to protect your Jeep:
- Park smart. When possible, park in asecure garageto keep thieves away from your cat—but well-lit areas with lots of foot traffic are the next best thing.
- Shield up. Investing in ananti-theft device, like a cat shield or other type of lock, makes your catalytic converter harder to access—and thieves don’t want to waste time. You can get a professional to install one for you, or you can find an easy DIY option on Amazon.
- Etch your VIN. Most scrap yards aren’t going to buy a catalytic converter that hasa VINetched on it, so most thieves don’t bother when they see it.
- Get some spray paint. Using high-heat spray paint to tag your cat can hopefully deter thieves, but it’ll also help law enforcement track the part if it does get stolen.
- Invest in a camera or security system. Even a simple motion-activated light could stop thieves from targeting your Jeep, but a camera system could help you track down the stolen part, too.
- Stay protected withcomprehensive insurance. Having full coverage on your Jeep won’t keep your catalytic converter from being stolen, but it will allow you tofile a claimwith your insurance to help get it replaced.
What to do if you see someone stealing a Jeep catalytic converter
If you see someone in the process of stealing a Jeep catalytic converter—or any catalytic converter—contact the authorities ASAP. Even if it’s not your own vehicle, getting a police report can increase the chances of the stolen part being recovered. It’ll also come in handy when it’s time to file a comprehensive insurance claim.
MORE: How to file an insurance claim with no police report
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FAQs
How much does a catalytic converter replacement cost?
The average cost of a Jeep catalytic converter replacement is around $1,500 to $2,000.
Does car insurance cover catalytic converter theft?
Only if you have comprehensive car insurance. Since comprehensive insurance isn’t required in any U.S. state, it’s on you to add it to your insurance policy and make sure the limits are enough to handle the risk of theft.
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