How to Prevent Ford Edge Catalytic Converter Theft
SUVs like the Ford Edge are at higher risk of catalytic converter theft. Here’s what you can do to prevent it.
Written by Julian de Sevilla
Reviewed by Jessa Claeys
Catalytic converter theft is on the rise. Because of their size, SUVs like the Ford Edge are at a higher risk than smaller cars of falling prey. There are a few things you can do to protect your car and dissuade thieves, though.
Here’s what you need to know about what a catalytic converter is, why they’re so frequently stolen, and how you can keep yours safe:
Is it easy to steal a Ford Edge’s catalytic converter?
Yes, but not as easy as it is in bigger cars. Catalytic converters are usually found underneath the back of a car attached to its exhaust, so you need to be able to get under the car to steal it. This is why larger trucks and SUVs with more ground clearance are often targeted—their catalytic converters are easier to reach.
The Edge is a midsize SUV with about
8 inches of ground clearance
. This isn’t a ton of space, but it might be enough for a particularly nimble thief to wiggle into. Otherwise, they’d have to lift the car up before going after the catalytic converter. Why do Ford Edge catalytic converters get stolen?
Catalytic converters get stolen because they contain very valuable components. Cats reduce vehicle emissions with the use of precious metals like palladium, rhodium, and platinum, which are worth a lot of money. Even an ounce of one of these metals can sell for thousands of dollars.
A single catalytic converter contains just a fraction of an ounce of each precious metal, but that can add up when thieves strike car after car. As mentioned, they’re fairly easy to steal. If you can get underneath a car and cut through the exhaust, the catalytic converter is yours.
Hybrid cars are also hit frequently, even though they don’t always have a ton of ground clearance. This is due to their catalytic converters containing higher concentrations of those valuable metals.
Ford Edge catalytic converter replacement cost
Naturally, once your catalytic converter is gone, it’s pretty expensive to replace.
A genuine Ford Edge catalytic converter
costs anywhere between $500 to over $1,000 depending on the model year. There are aftermarket options available too, but their prices aren’t necessarily lower, and they may not be as efficient. Unless you’re willing to install it yourself, you’ll also have labor costs to consider.
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How to prevent your Ford Edge’s catalytic converter from getting stolen
There are a few ways to make your car less attractive to potential thieves, with varying degrees of difficulty and effectiveness:
- Park in a secure area: It’s not always possible, but keeping your car out of reach entirely is the safest thing to do. The greatest risk lies in leaving your car unattended in parking lots or garages for extended periods. When possible, look for well-lit areas.
- Engrave your car’s VIN onto the catalytic converter: This signals to potential buyers that it’s been stolen, making thieves less likely to want it.
- Paint the catalytic converter a bright color: Similarly, a converter painted bright red or yellow sticks out, which could dissuade thieves who would have to scrape all the paint off before selling it. Catalytic converters get hot, so be sure to use high-temperature paint.
- Install a catalytic converter alarm or shield: Alarms will sound when the converter is being tampered with, while shields cover it completely, making it more difficult to steal.
MORE: How to pass emissions testing
What to do if your catalytic converter gets stolen
If your catalytic converter has been stolen
, your car will be much louder than you’re used to. The thief may have damaged other parts of your car in the process of stealing it, so you should get it looked at as quickly as possible. But first, you should let your insurance company know. If you have
comprehensive coverage
, which covers damage to your car outside of collisions, you might just have to pay your deductible and send your car to an in-network mechanic rather than paying for the entire replacement out of pocket.Can you drive without a catalytic converter?
You technically can drive without a catalytic converter if no other components were stolen or damaged. You definitely shouldn’t, though—especially if you live in one of the 34 states that require vehicles to pass emissions tests. Your car won’t pass without a catalytic converter.
Aside from that, your car will be much louder and produce more harmful emissions.
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