2018 Toyota Tacoma Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Tips
The 2018 Toyota Tacoma is a major target for catalytic converter thieves—learn what you can do to protect yourself here!
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Alita Dark
A 2018 Toyota Tacoma has four catalytic converters that are easy to access, which makes it a highly attractive target for thieves.
No one who owns a car with an internal combustion engine is safe from catalytic converter theft—but owners of 2018 Toyota Tacomas need to be extra vigilant. If you own one of these popular midsize pickup trucks, make sure to learn about what steps you can take to keep your Tacoma safe and what kind of
car insurance
you’ll need to protect yourself if the worst does happen.Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a 2018 Toyota Tacoma?
Yes, it is easy to steal the 2019 Tacoma’s catalytic converter. The
Toyota Tacoma has a ground clearance
of about 9.4 inches, which makes it good for off-roading! Unfortunately, this also makes it easier for a thief to slide underneath and access the four (yes, four) catalytic converters the Tacoma has. Several full-to-midsize trucks and SUVs from
Ford
and Chevrolet
are also prime targets, as are other Toyota models, like the big Toyota Sequoia
or the hybrid Toyota Prius
. Why are 2018 Toyota Tacoma catalytic converters stolen?
The role of a catalytic converter is to reduce (or convert) harmful exhaust emissions into less toxic substances before they leave the tailpipe. It does this by filtering the exhaust through a honeycomb-like structure of precious metals—including palladium, platinum, and rhodium. The price of these metals has shot up in the past few years to several thousand dollars per ounce, and this is what the thieves are after.
While there is much less than an ounce of these in any one catalytic converter, an experienced thief can steal one in seconds. Toyota also has a reputation for using more of these metals than other makers, and the Tacoma has four catalytic converters within easy reach.
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2019 Toyota catalytic converter replacement cost
Here’s where it gets really sobering. Not only is the Toyota Tacoma a popular target for catalytic converter theft, but it’s also one of the more expensive vehicles to get a new catalytic converter for. A new catalytic converter for a 2018 Toyota Tacoma can be around $3,900 to replace—and if you’ve had all four of them stolen, you’re looking at as much as $7,000 to $8,000!
To add insult to injury, supply issues have made catalytic converters for a 2018 Toyota Tacoma hard to come by, and some people have reported having to wait up to four months to get a new part.
How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a 2018 Toyota Tacoma
By now, you’ve got the point—if you own a 2018 Toyota Tacoma, catalytic converter theft is something you should be particularly concerned about. Here’s how you can protect yourself!
Park in a secure area
Make your Tacoma an unattractive target by parking it in a secure, well-lit area. Locked garages are best, but a well-lit driveway is also a good option. Motion-detecting flood lights are a solid security feature.
Install an anti-theft device
There are a few different kinds of anti-theft devices available that make your catalytic converter next to impossible to steal, and they’re a smart investment to make. MillerCat makes a
catalytic converter shield
for the 2018 Tacoma, but check to make sure it’s compatible with your specific trim level and options before you buy one. Etch your VIN on the catalytic converter
Etching your Tacoma’s
vehicle identification number (VIN)
on your catalytic converters makes it more difficult to resell them and may act as a deterrent to thieves. Sometimes police departments have VIN etching events that are open to the public, and most muffler shops can get the job done as well. Purchase comprehensive insurance
This isn’t a preventative measure, but buying
comprehensive coverage
helps make the whole experience a little less awful. If you don’t have it, then you’ll be on your own when it comes to paying for repairs and replacement parts. But if you’ve invested in a comprehensive policy, then you can file a claim for it! Not only does this defray a large portion of the costs, but your insurance company can also assist you with finding a repair shop. Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversWhat to do if your 2018 Toyota Tacoma’s catalytic converter is stolen
If on one gray morning you walk into your garage to discover that you’ve been the victim of a catalytic converter theft, we’re sorry. Our particular condolences if all four have been taken. Though you might just want to turn around and go back to bed (and no one would blame you), there are a few things you should do first.
Call your local law enforcement authorities right away to report the theft, and make sure that a police report is filed. Take some pictures of the affected areas as well, and make sure you know your police report number.
Both your police report number and the photographs are useful in your next step, which is to contact your insurance provider. If you have
full coverage
, now is when it’s going to come in handy. You’ll be able to submit a claim that covers the bulk of your catalytic converter replacement costs. You’ll still need to pay your deductible, but at the end of the day, you’ll be spared quite a bit of expense. Now you can go back to bed. Can you drive a 2018 Toyota Tacoma without a catalytic converter?
Your Toyota Tacoma is driveable without a catalytic converter, but it’s not a good or eco-friendly idea to do so. Though your truck will still run, your fuel economy will really stink—and your exhaust will too. You're polluting at a much higher rate without a catalytic converter, and your truck is likely to be louder and accelerate rougher.
You most definitely won’t be able to pass an emissions test without a catalytic converter, and in many states, you need to get an emissions test in order to
register your car
. Additionally, some states have laws requiring you to have a working catalytic converter on your vehicle at all times, so you could actually be breaking the law if you drive without one! MORE: How to pass emissions testing
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FAQs
Does a 2018 Toyota Tacoma have a catalytic converter?
That’s a big yes. The 2018 Toyota Tacoma actually has four catalytic converters—two up front near the engine manifold and two in the back near the exhaust.
What should I do if someone is trying to steal my Toyota Tundra catalytic converter?
If you catch a thief in the act, call the police immediately. Tempting as it may be, it’s never a good idea to confront someone who’s attempting to steal your catalytic converter.
What are some signs to look for when a catalytic converter is stolen?
As important of a part as it is, it may not be immediately apparent if the catalytic converter on your 2018 Toyota Tundra has been stolen. Symptoms of an MIA catalytic converter include increased smoke or smells from the exhaust, a rougher ride, and increased noise from the exhaust system area.
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