What Mazda Owners Need to Know About Catalytic Converter Theft

Mazda has taken steps to discourage catalytic converter theft, but it can still happen. Here’s how to protect yourself.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Hillary Kobayashi
Mazdas are less vulnerable to catalytic converter theft than many other models—but that doesn’t mean your risk is zero. The cost and hassle involved in replacing a catalytic converter are worth avoiding if you can.
Although your Mazda probably isn’t among the
cars most targeted
by catalytic converter thieves, it would be a serious inconvenience if yours was stolen. Mazda owners can take steps to discourage thieves and protect their cars by using anti-theft devices and purchasing the right
car insurance
coverage. 
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
icon4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars
icon4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers

Why are Mazda catalytic converters being stolen?

The theft of catalytic converters has become a major problem for car owners. Thieves are interested in the precious metals contained in a catalytic converter, and they have a number of effective tools to easily swipe the device from the underbelly of a parked car.
Lucky for you, Mazdas are not among the top ten brands most targeted for this type of theft. However, it can and does happen. 
Here are a few factors that make a cat easier and more desirable to steal:
  • Hybrid models: While hybrid Mazdas are not yet available in North America, the three European Mazda hybrids are certainly at a higher risk of catalytic converter theft. Hybrid cats don’t get as much use as cats in regular gas power trains, and therefore the precious metals stay in better condition and are worth more money on the black market. Mazda is set to release a new plug-in hybrid soon, which could present a shiny new attraction to thieves. 
  • High ground clearance: To quickly steal a catalytic converter without getting caught, high clearance makes a big difference. The ground clearance on your Mazda is definitely a factor that affects your vehicle’s vulnerability to catalytic converter theft. 
  • Popularity: The more popular a particular car is, the more likely it is that a thief understands how to steal its parts. 

What is a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converters became standard parts inside vehicle exhaust systems in 1974. They are pretty fascinating devices! 
Your catalytic converter converts the harmful gasses in your car into carbon dioxide and water, greatly reducing harmful emissions from your vehicle. This process is achieved using a metal box that contains palladium, rhodium, and platinum. These precious metals have a hefty resale value—currently, palladium is worth more than gold!
The amount of precious metals in a catalytic converter varies by make and model. Mazdas tend to have fewer precious metals, and these cars hold less value for thieves. 
In 2010, Mazda introduced a new kind of catalytic converter that has 70% fewer precious metals as components. One of Mazda’s newer electric cars, the MX-30, doesn’t have a catalytic converter at all. In fact, no electric car has a catalytic converter because it is not a necessary component in an electric engine.
Nevertheless, it is still possible for thieves to steal the catalytic converter in your Mazda if you have one. 
If your engine makes a quick, loud noise when you start the car, or if it jerks when accelerating, or if it sputters at slow speeds, well, you may have lost your catalytic converter to a couple of cat-burglars. 

The Mazda models most targeted by catalytic converter thieves

While thieves don’t steal catalytic converters from Mazdas very often, some models are more vulnerable than others.
Ultimately, older Mazdas with higher ground clearance, Mazdas with easy-to-access catalytic converters, and hybrid or electric Mazdas may be at higher risk for catalytic converter theft. 

Mazda catalytic converter replacement costs

While it is unlikely your Mazda will have its catalytic converter stolen, if it gets swiped, you’ll need to replace it. They can also wear out, especially if you own an older Mazda. 
The average Mazda catalytic converter cost is about $1,000, but it could cost up to $2,500 depending on the circumstances and the specific model you drive.
You can opt for an aftermarket product instead of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part to save money, but you should still expect to spend at least $800 to replace a stolen cat. 

How to protect your Mazda catalytic converter from theft

While there is no guaranteed method for protecting your catalytic converter, there are a few ways you can deter thieves from stealing it:
  • Park in a secure or well-lit area. This is a great tip for protecting your car from all kinds of thieves. Even a motion-sensor flood light can be helpful if you don’t have a
    parking spot
    in a locked garage.
  • Invest in a shield, lock, or cage. There are a number of aftermarket guards that can increase your cat’s protection. These devices often use a shield or cage to make it more difficult for a potential thief to steal your catalytic converter. Do it yourself or take it in for a professional installation.
  • Etch your VIN on the cat. If your VIN is marked on your cat, this is a warning sign to scrap yards that the part is stolen. The idea is that if a thief sees your VIN etched into your catalytic converter, it will be seen as too high a risk for resale and they will move on.
  • Break out the spray paint. One way to mark your catalytic converter is with high-heat spray paint. This can act as a warning to potential thieves and it can also help the police to track down your specific part.
  • Buy a camera or security system. Footage can be turned over to the police for an official report. Even if you can’t track down the thief, this kind of proof can help validate your claim with your insurance company.
  • Purchase
    comprehensive insurance
    . This one won’t actually keep your catalytic converter from being stolen, but it will help pay for the damage so you don’t have to replace the part out of pocket.

What to do if you see someone stealing a Mazda catalytic converter

When you see someone trying to remove and steal a Mazda catalytic converter, it is best to alert authorities. A police report can be helpful in either recovering the stolen part or assisting in the following insurance claim.
MORE: How to file an insurance claim with no police report
“All of the insurance quotes I saw were over $600 a month because of my age. Then I stumbled upon
Jerry
, and they sliced my price in half! They found me the lowest rate, thank goodness.” —Will V. 
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Find insurance savings

FAQs

On average it will cost between $800 to $2,500 to replace a catalytic converter on a Mazda, depending on the model and age of the car.
One type of coverage will cover catalytic converter theft: comprehensive insurance. While this type of coverage is not required by law, most, if not all, major companies sell this type of coverage.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings