Although it depends on the model year and the engine type of your Ford Escape, the catalytic converter will likely be located between the tailpipe and the exhaust manifolds, and ahead of the muffler.
Knowing how to protect your catalytic converter is a good idea, as theft of these valuable parts have exploded over the last decade. If you own a vehicle, you should find out where your catalytic converter is located, and take steps to protect it.
We’ll tell you where to find the catalytic converter on your Ford Escape, how much it might cost to replace one, and how best to protect it—so let’s get started.
Where is the catalytic converter on a Ford Escape?
On a Ford Escape, the catalytic converter is on the underside of the car, located between the tailpipe and intake manifolds, and ahead of the muffler. That said, this may vary slightly depending on the model year and the engine type.
Some vehicle manufacturers are starting to place catalytic converters inside the engine bay in order to cut down on theft. As of now, Ford has yet to take this step. Unfortunately, this means Ford vehicles—such as the Escape—may remain targets of catalytic converter theft.
What are the benefits of a catalytic converter on a Ford Escape?
A catalytic converter is a vital part of your Escape’s exhaust system—it essentially acts as an emission device, filtering exhaust gasses such as carbon monoxide and other hydrocarbons into less harmful pollutants before they exit the tailpipe and enter the atmosphere.
Not only would your Ford Escape’s engine performance suffer without a catalytic converter, it likely wouldn’t pass an EPA emissions test—and you’d be out of a ride.
Catalytic converters offer another benefit to a subset of the population (thieves), and that (potential) benefit is money. Thieves go hard after catalytic converters —in particular, the catalyst—because they are made up of valuable metals such as palladium, rhodium, and platinum. A replacement catalytic converter for a Ford Escape can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $1,500.
How to protect the catalytic converter on your Ford Escape
While the Ford Escape is not one of the most targeted vehicles for catalytic converter theft
, there are several Ford vehicles on that list. On Fords, the catalytic converter is located near the tailpipe, making them easy targets. There’s nothing stopping opportunistic—or desparate—thieves from eyeing an Escape and taking a swipe at the catalytic converter. If you own an Escape, there are a few things to do to protect your vehicle against catalytic converter theft:
Install an anti-theft device: Install an alarm, cage, or shield to protect the catalytic converter, or try a popular anti-theft device such as the CatStrap™
and the CatClamp®
to deter thieves. Park your CR-V in a garage or a well-lit area: Nothing scares thieves off like the cold, harsh light of day—or a well-lit, protected garage. If you have to park outside, add a motion-detecting flood light to monitor your vehicle, or park under a street light if one is nearby.
Put your VIN on the catalytic converter: This might not stop a thief, but it essentially adds an old-fashioned tracking device to your converter, making it easier to track and harder for a thief to sell it to an aftermarket parts dealer. Inspector Columbo would be proud.
Of course, another way to protect yourself against catalytic converter theft is to find a robust comprehensive coverage
plan. Otherwise, you’ll be out of luck in terms of filing a claim if your catalytic converter gets stolen. What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen
If your catalytic converter does get stolen, try not to panic. Instead, do this:
Document the theft—take pictures of your exhaust pipe and your missing catalytic converter
Go to the police and file a report
If you have comprehensive insurance, submit an insurance claim
Think about installing an aftermarket catalytic converter—this will lower costs and hopefully reduce the odds of it being stolen
Look into anti-theft devices to help deter thieves
When to replace the catalytic converter on a Ford Escape
Ford designs its catalytic converter to last the lifespan of its vehicles, but if you’ve had one for ten years or more, you may need to replace it. If you’re worried about your catalytic converter wearing out, use your eyes, ears, and even nose to spot these signs of converter failure:
Sluggish performance and tepid acceleration
Smell of rotten eggs (and you are not returning from the grocery store…)
Underside of your vehicle is overheated
If you notice these signs, they could mean your catalytic converter is on its last legs. What we’re saying is this—if you think your catalytic converter is on the way out, take your car to the dealership to get it checked out by the professionals.
Sometimes, the problem isn’t as bad as you imagine. It might just be that you need to replace the catalytic converter’s heat shield. But sometimes, your worst fears will be confirmed—your catalytic converter might be dead. If that’s the case, take a moment to grieve. Now, get a hold of yourself and move forward by installing a new converter. It’ll cost between $1,200 to $1,500 for a new catalytic converter, but it’s a key component of your vehicle that you shouldn't be driving without.
How to replace a catalytic converter
Unless you’re an automotive ninja, replacing a catalytic converter by yourself isn’t a good idea—it’s best to let a professional replace your catalytic converter for you.
Of course, if you’re bent on replacing the catalytic converter yourself, who are we to stop you? In that case, you’ll want to look up the part number for your model and do your best to find an OEM replacement. Quality does matter, but installing an aftermarket catalytic converter might help reduce future risk. Something to think about.
Another thing—if you’re going to do this job yourself, you’ll likely need a pipe cutter or torch to remove a welded-on converter, as well as gasket cleaners, pipe expanders, and other tools.
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