One of the auto theft trends in 2021 was the dubiously profitable pastime of stealing catalytic converters and it’s still going strong as ever at the end of 2022. If you own a vehicle, especially an older one, you should have an idea of where your catalytic converter is located and how best to protect it from theft.

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. We’ll tell you where to find your 2007 Camry’s catalytic converter, why it’s useful, and when to replace it. We’ll also provide some tips on preventing catalytic converter theft!

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Where is the catalytic converter on a 2007 Toyota Camry?

You have to be extra careful with a 2007 Camry because the catalytic converter is located beneath the vehicle as part of the exhaust system, and is fairly easy for a would-be thief to steal.

In fact, the Toyota Camry is one of the most popular cars targeted by catalytic converter thieves—and not just the 2007 model year, either. If your Camry was manufactured between 1987 and 2019, it’s at a pretty significant risk of being targeted.

What are the benefits of a catalytic converter on a Toyota Camry?

What does your catalytic converter actually do, though? Well, it’s an important part of your car’s exhaust system with a pretty big job. Basically, your catalytic converter reduces your vehicle’s emissions by converting harmful gasses (hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, etc.) into less toxic pollutants—if your catalytic converter breaks or gets stolen, your Camry won’t be able to pass an EPA emissions test and your engine performance will take a dive, too.

What makes the catalytic converter so valuable are the materials that act as the catalyst. These are usually a blend of valuable precious metals—platinum, palladium, rhodium—that are extremely valuable due to their scarcity and practical value. This is why they are so often targeted by thieves, and it is also why a new catalytic converter for your Camry could cost as much as $1,200.

How to protect the catalytic converter on your 2007 Toyota Camry

As we mentioned earlier, catalytic converter thieves are a serious problem for Camry drivers because the 1987–2019 Camry is one of the

most commonly targeted vehicles

for catalytic converter theft. It’s no wonder, either, since the Camry’s catalytic converter is relatively easy for a criminal to get their hands on.

Fret not, though, because we have a few tips that can help safeguard your catalytic converter:

Anti-theft device: You could install standard theft prevention fares like alarms or cages, but the

CatStrap™

and the

CatClamp®

are specifically designed to deter catalytic converter thieves.

Parking location: Dark, isolated streets and parking lots are perfect for thieves and ne'er do wells, so try to park somewhere secure and well-lit. A private garage would be best, but you could get a motion-activated floodlight for the driveway or make use of a strategically-placed streetlight as well.

VIN number: Writing your car’s VIN number on the catalytic converter won’t stop a thief from taking it, but it will make it easier to trace and harder to sell.

One last protection you could try is adding

comprehensive coverage

to your car insurance policy. Otherwise, you won’t be able to file a claim for the (significant) replacement cost if your catalytic converter is stolen.

What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen

If disaster strikes and your catalytic converter gets stolen, just stay calm and follow these steps:

Take pictures of your exhaust system and the missing converter

Contact the police and file a report

File a claim with your insurance provider (if you have comprehensive coverage)

Research aftermarket catalytic converters to lower your repair costs

Consider installing an anti-theft device to hopefully prevent this from happening again

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How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

When to replace the catalytic converter on a 2007 Toyota Camry

Your catalytic converter is usually good for around 10 years or so, but eventually, it will have to be replaced. Keep an eye out for these signs that your catalytic converter is starting to fail:

Sluggish acceleration and reduced performance

Dark, gross-smelling smoke coming from your exhaust (especially if it smells like rotten eggs)

Undercarriage keeps overheating

Unable to pass emissions/smog test

Illuminated Check Engine Light

If you notice any of these things, try to scan for any problems with the exhaust system using an onboard diagnostic tool, if you have one. Otherwise, bring your Camry to a mechanic as soon as possible to get a diagnosis.

If you’re lucky, you might only need to replace or fix a part of your catalytic converter. Nonetheless, you should still be prepared to get a brand-new converter and possibly a few other parts as well (like oxygen sensors). Once you factor in the cost of the part and the labor, you can usually expect to pay between $1500 and $1700 for a new catalytic converter.

How to replace a catalytic converter

You might be able to teach yourself how to perform a great deal of car maintenance just by using YouTube, but we wouldn’t recommend it for a catalytic converter replacement. It requires a lot of mechanical expertise and tool usage, including welding.

If you think you’re up for it, though, make sure you look up the specific part number for your Camry and find an OEM-grade replacement. A third-party converter might save you some money and make you less of a target, but it’s still a very important part of your car and quality goes a long way.

MORE:

How to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it

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