While Mitsubishi is not at the top of the wishlist for catalytic converters thieves, you should still take steps to protect your vehicle because this kind of theft is a growing problem. Several models in Mitsubishi’s lineup are also more vulnerable.
Mitsubishi does have a hybrid and multiple SUV models, all of which are tempting to catalytic converter thieves
. While you can’t keep an eye on your Mitsubishi 24/7, we can give you ways to prevent theft and use car insurance
to help you if the worst happens. 
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Why are Mitsubishi catalytic converters being stolen?
The risk depends on the model thanks to differences in ground clearance–thieves get under the vehicle to access the catalytic converter. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) estimates there are an average of 1,200 thefts per month! Several Mitsubishi vehicles have a higher chance of being targeted.
Let’s look at a few reasons your Mitsubishi could be at a higher risk:
Hybrid model: The Outlander PHEV
is currently Mitsubishi’s only hybrid vehicle, but that makes it the most tempting target. Hybrids are more vulnerable because they use the greatest quantity of precious metals in their catalytic converter, the reason that part gets stolen in the first place. Higher ground clearance: Mitsubishi’s SUV models are vulnerable because they have eight or more inches of clearance
, making it easier to get under them. Thieves can just wiggle under a taller vehicle, grab what they are after, and leave. Popularity: In the last year, almost 86,000 Mitsubishi were sold in the US alone. That gives thieves more opportunities to target these vehicles.
What is a catalytic converter?
Okay, so what is a catalytic converter, and why would anyone bother to steal it?
A catalytic converter is a part that helps clean dangerous pollutants from a vehicle’s exhaust fumes before releasing them into the air. It does this by passing the exhaust through a tiny honeycomb-like filtering system covered in rare metals, such as palladium
, platinum, or rhodium. Thanks to the going market price, a thief can get an average of $1,500 or more for just one catalytic converter! It also comes down to convenience. Most catalytic converters are under the car, so they are relatively easy to access–compared to something like the engine.
One way you can tell something is off with your Mitsubishi is if your exhaust system is suddenly a lot noisier
than usual. While the muffler could be a problem, you’ll want to check on the catalytic converter. The Mitsubishi models most targeted by catalytic converter thieves
While every Mitsubishi has a catalytic converter, some models are more at risk.
In general, SUVs are targeted thanks to the higher ground clearance, while hybrid vehicles are especially desirable. None of Mitsubishi’s lineup is in the top ten list, but these cars are more vulnerable:
2013 - Present Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Thanks to an average 8.5-inch ground clearance, SUVs are more tempting to thieves. However, the hybrid Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Mitsubishi Outlander are at increasing risk thanks to a recent string of thefts targeting the models.
Mitsubishi catalytic converter replacement costs
Unfortunately, you can’t just ignore the problem if your catalytic converter Is taken, and the replacement won’t be cheap. Let’s see what kind of repair bill you could be looking at:
| Average cost to replace catalytic converter |
|---|
| |
| |
| |
| |
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | |
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | |
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There is no getting past the fact that repairing a stolen catalytic converter is expensive. You can reduce the price tag by purchasing an aftermarket replacement rather than an OEM part and taking your Mitsubishi to a reputable auto shop.
How to protect your Mitsubishi catalytic converter from theft
Fortunately, you can do more than just cross your fingers when it comes to preventing theft in the first place. Let’s look at some options for protecting your Mitsubishi and your wallet:
Be careful about where you park. While you can’t always choose an ideal location, parking in the middle of nowhere gives thieves an advantage. If you have a locked garage
available, that is your best bet, but places with a lot of lighting and in a more populated area are better. Add an antitheft device to your vehicle. You now have multiple options to make it harder for thieves to get access to your catalytic converter. You can purchase a catalytic shield, cage, or lock
through Amazon or an auto shop. Add your VIN to the catalytic converter. You can have your VIN number
etched onto the cat, making it pretty much impossible to sell. Thieves won’t be motivated to steal something worthless to them. Tag the catalytic converter with spray paint. Adding heat-resistant paint to the cat will discourage thieves from taking the part because it will be easier to trace.
Add security options. You can add a home camera system, an alarm, motion-activated lights, or other items to your house–and you could get a discount on your insurance! Some options will help discourage theft in the first place, while a camera can make it easier for the police to catch the thief.
Add comprehensive car insurance
to your policy. This one is more about protecting your wallet. Insurance might not keep a thief away, but you’ll be able to file a claim
and get help paying for that replacement.
MORE: Data on the Most Stolen Car Reveals Ways To Prevent Auto Theft
What to do if you see someone stealing a Mitsubishi catalytic converter
Contact the police right away if you witness someone attempting to steal a catalytic converter. A police report can boost the chance of recovering the part, regardless of whether it was your car or someone else’s ride. Plus, it helps with insurance claims.
MORE: How to file an insurance claim with no police report
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