A 2022 Ford F-150’s catalytic converter is located on the driver’s side about three feet back from the engine and in front of the muffler. As part of the F-150’s emission system, the catalytic converter filters the exhaust from your engine to reduce pollutants.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), catalytic converter thefts spiked in 2021. The number of reported thefts continues to grow so it’s important to know where your catalytic converter is located and ways you can make it less attractive to thieves.

Let’s get into your Ford F-150 catalytic converter’s location, repair costs, and how to protect this essential component of your truck’s emission system (including with your

car insurance

policy)!

MORE:

Ford F-150 insurance cost

Where is the catalytic converter on a Ford F-150?

Ford F-150s have had catalytic converters since 1975. If you have an older model, you may be surprised to find that there are two catalytic converters: one near the front, and one near the back. For modern F-150s, however, you’ll find the catalytic converter on the underside of the truck between the engine and the muffler.

Unfortunately, this location is easy to access for thieves looking to lift catalytic converters. Ford F-150s and other trucks with exterior catalytic converters—as opposed to ones inside the engine compartment—are often targeted for this kind of parts theft.

What are the benefits of a catalytic converter on a Ford F-150?

You may be wondering what a catalytic converter does—and you wouldn’t be the only one! This component helps to keep your truck well within EPA emissions standards.

Without it, your exhaust would be full of pollutants and other toxins that are bad for the environment. By converting these toxins to less harmful materials and filtering your exhaust, the catalytic converter keeps your truck running within the legal emissions limits and helps to optimize your truck’s performance. If you want to pass emissions testing, keeping your catalytic converter up to code is essential!

However, the catalytic converter uses some pricey materials like platinum, palladium, and rhodium to complete this process. These expensive metals are what lure thieves to the catalytic converter specifically and also why the component is so much to replace—generally, between $1,560 and $1,585!

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How to protect the catalytic converter on your Ford F-150

The 1985-2021 Ford F-Series pickup trucks are the

, along with the 1989-2020

Honda Accord

. This is mostly due to the easy-to-access location and the higher concentration of valuable materials in older catalytic converters.

Whether you’re looking to protect your older Ford pickup or your brand-new 2022 F-150, here are some steps you can take to deter would-be thieves:

Invest in an anti-theft device. From devices like the

CatStrap™

and the

CatClamp®

to a car alarm, shield, or cage, there are plenty of options for making your F-150 more secure. You can see what Ford has to offer or you can purchase an aftermarket part. Be sure to do your research and find the device that fits your model and your budget.

Park in a secure garage or a well-lit area. Parking in a monitored or secured area drastically reduces the risk of theft. If your only parking options are a driveway or street, try to park under a streetlight or in a highly visible area to make your F-150 less desirable for thieves.

Put your VIN on the catalytic converter. This won’t prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen, but it can make it easier to track down after a theft.

The last thing you want to have to do is pay out-of-pocket if your catalytic converter is stolen. Signing up for

comprehensive coverage

can cover the cost of a missing part through your insurance policy. It won’t stop thieves, but having this policy is a great backup plan.

What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen

If you return to your parked F-150 to find that the catalytic converter has been stolen, take these steps:

Document the theft. Take pictures of your exhaust pipe and the missing converter, and make a note of the time, location, and any other damage to your vehicle.

File a police report. This is an important step, as you won’t be able to claim unless the theft is reported. There’s also a chance that law enforcement can track down your catalytic converter so you won’t have to pay for a replacement.

Submit an insurance claim. If you have comprehensive insurance, the cost to replace your catalytic converter may be completely covered.

Install an aftermarket catalytic converter. This will lower the cost of replacement and make the catalytic converter less likely to fall victim to future thefts

Look into anti-theft devices. Preventing theft in the first place can save you money in the long run

MORE:

How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

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When to replace the catalytic converter on a Ford F-150

A catalytic converter will last you about 10 years, but depending on how much you drive and if you don’t

keep up with regular maintenance

, it can wear out much sooner. Here are some signs that you may be dealing with a bad catalytic converter:

Slow acceleration and reduced engine performance

Dark or foul-smelling exhaust smoke (might smell like rotten eggs)

Overheating on the underside of your truck

Check Engine Light turning on

If you’re not sure what’s causing these problems, you can always use an onboard diagnostics (OBD) scanner to check for the applicable codes. If your vehicle is demonstrating these signs, it’s a good idea to visit your mechanic for a professional diagnosis.

You won’t always have to replace the whole catalytic converter if it’s acting up. Sometimes, you’ll just need the heat shield replaced or the oxygen sensors updated. But in the case of a full replacement, you’re looking at average costs of around $1,500.

Even then, your catalytic converter may be covered by Ford’s eight-year/80,000-mile emissions warranty. Wear and tear or damage from an accident likely won’t be covered, but if there’s something wrong with the catalytic converter, you may not have to pay to replace it.

MORE:

How to read car OBD codes

How to replace a catalytic converter

Replacing a catalytic converter isn’t an easy task. In most cases, you’ll need specialized tools and know-how to find, remove, and replace your Ford F-150’s catalytic converter. If you don’t have pipe cutters or a welding torch, it’s probably best to leave it to the professionals.

If you’re up for the task, find the part number and look for an OEM or aftermarket replacement. Although aftermarket parts are less desirable for thieves, an OEM part will match the quality of your vehicle, so it’s up to you which one is better for your needs.

MORE:

How to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it

How to reduce Ford F-150 insurance costs

With comprehensive coverage, you’ll have more peace of mind when it comes to your F-150’s safety—especially if you have to park out on the street during your garage renos! But adding on insurance can get expensive.

Luckily, with the

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app, you won’t have to worry about overpaying for your insurance. As a

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, Jerry partners with over 55 providers nationwide to bring you custom rates for the coverage you want. In less than a minute, you could be saving an average of $800+ a year on your Ford F-150 car insurance!

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