Catalytic converter theft is on the rise due to the increasing value of the precious metals they contain. Protect your Ford Focus by etching in the VIN, installing an anti-theft shield, and parking in well-lit areas when away from home.
If you’re like most people, you bought the Ford Focus because it’s a solid and dependable sedan that won’t break the bank. You might even have bought one because you heard they were going out of production and wanted to seize your chance while you had it! But what you probably didn’t think about was whether or not your vehicle was a good target for catalytic converter thieves.
We’re here to tell you which models are most vulnerable, whether or not having car insurance
can help in the case of theft, and what you can do to prevent theft from happening in the first place. Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Ford Focus?
Here’s the unfortunate news: it’s not that hard to steal a catalytic converter from just about any car. Any determined person with a few spare minutes and a Sawzall can get under a car, cut the pipes, and make off like a bandit—usually without anyone even noticing. This has led to some manufacturers moving the catalytic converter’s location to the engine instead of its usual spot underneath the car in the hopes of deterring thieves.
We’re sorry to say that Ford is not one of those manufacturers. Luckily for you, the Ford Focus’s ground clearance
is much lower than something like an SUV or a pickup truck, which may help turn away would-be thieves. Since it’s more difficult for them to get under the car, they may choose to target someone else instead. Top Ford Focus Years that catalytic converter thieves target
If you have a 2020–2022 Ford Focus EcoBoost Hybrid, you need to be especially careful. Hybrid vehicles are particularly susceptible to theft—just ask the Toyota Prius
, one of the top targets for catalytic converter thieves! Why? Hybrids have larger cats and a lower environmental impact. Therefore, they have a higher concentration of precious metals—which is what the thieves are really after.
Why are Ford Focus catalytic converters stolen?
Generally, catalytic converters—like the one in your Ford Focus—are a hot item because of what they contain. Thieves don’t want the part for the part itself—they want it for the resale value.
Inside your cat are several types of precious metals, including palladium, rhodium, and platinum. These are essential to filtering out and breaking down toxic gasses created by combustion engines. Without these metals, our cars would be spilling massive amounts of pollutants into the air.
With that in mind, it’s obvious we’re not going to be turning away from catalytic converters anytime soon, which means you should get used to protecting your vehicle.
Just how precious are these metals? At its peak price, rhodium—just one of several materials needed for a cat—cost nearly $20,000 per ounce! While there isn’t a high amount of any metals in a single catalytic converter, they still provide a pretty good payout as scrap parts.
Ford Focus catalytic converter cost
If you’re in the unfortunate position of having had your catalytic converter stolen, you’ll have to get it replaced. According to RepairPal’s
estimates, the average replacement costs between $890 and $916. That’s pretty low for a cat replacement, and, since the Ford Focus only has one converter, you’ll only have one fee. How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Ford Focus
Now that you know what a catalytic converter is and why you don’t want to lose it, it’s time to go over what you can do to keep your Ford Focus in one piece:
Park somewhere secure
Ideally, you’ll be able to park in a locked or keypad-guarded garage, but if you’re away from home or live somewhere that isn’t feasible, you need to look for a spot that won’t put you at risk. Busier, well-lit areas are ideal as the presence of people will make it more difficult for someone to sneak under your car.
Also consider if the parking area you’ve chosen has security cameras. If people know they’re on camera, they’re much less likely to commit a crime.
Etch your VIN onto the catalytic converter
One thing you can do to keep your cat safe is etch it with your Ford Focus vehicle identification number (VIN)
. While this won’t keep your catalytic converter safe from an attempted theft, it may make the thief think twice before actually cutting it out. Most dealers won’t accept a catalytic converter if they can look up the VIN and see that the cat has been reported stolen. Take your vehicle to a muffler shop to see about having this service done, or keep an eye on the National Insurance Crime Bureau website
to see if they’re holding an etching event in your area. 
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Install a catalytic converter shield
Because catalytic converter theft is such a well-known problem, companies have started making products specifically designed to help owners keep their cats where they belong. Check out products like the Catstrap
™ or CatClamp
®, both of which are universal anti-theft shields that should work on any make or model. Once you’ve gotten one installed, check with your insurance company. This protective measure may qualify you for a discounted rate!
Invest in comprehensive insurance
Adding comprehensive insurance
to your policy won’t do much to prevent thieves from snatching your cat, but it will soften the blow of the replacement. With this upgrade, you’re covered from acts of vandalism or theft, and you can make a claim to cover some of the costs you’ll have to pay. You can go without, of course, but you’ll be on your own when it comes to the mechanic bill—which can get pretty expensive! What to do if your Ford Focus’s catalytic converter is stolen
If you’re here because you’ve discovered your Ford Focus no longer has its catalytic converter, you should immediately contact the authorities. Law enforcement can look into security camera footage to see if they can find the thief and maybe even recover your lost property.
The next thing you should do is file an insurance claim. It will be helpful to turn over the police report once you have it to legitimize the claim, but it may take a few days for you to get the report. You want your provider to start scheduling repairs as soon as possible, so don’t delay!
Your comprehensive coverage will cover some of the replacement cost, though you’ll have to meet your deductible before it kicks in. Still, with a replacement potentially running close to $1,000, there’s a good chance you’ll save a pretty penny.
If you only have a standard policy without any upgrades, you need to contact a mechanic on your own and get your Focus in for repairs. Be prepared to pay for the whole thing out of pocket.
Can you drive a Ford Focus without a catalytic converter?
The short answer is yes, your Ford Focus will still function without a catalytic converter. In fact, the part wasn’t used in most vehicles before the mid-1970s. If you have a classic car, it won’t have ever had a cat, and it runs just fine.
The long answer is that while you can technically operate your vehicle, you should really drive it straight to a repair shop. Your catalytic converter is the only thing keeping your vehicle from spewing harmful fumes into the air.
If you live in a state that requires your vehicle to pass emissions testing before its registration can be renewed, you’re on the clock. Without a catalytic converter, your car won’t be able to pass, and you won’t be able to renew your registration.
Beyond that, missing your cat will make your ride a lot rougher and a lot noisier—and that’s assuming the thief didn’t damage anything else when they cut it out! You’re better off taking it to a mechanic
right away and not letting things get any worse than they already are. “I was tired of looking around multiple websites, so I decided to give Jerry
a try. Let me tell you—the process is so easy and simple, and they really find you the best prices for your coverage level. Getting insurance for my new car was quick and easy!” —Joanna D.
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