The Ford Fusion features one or two catalytic converters depending on the engine size, and if you’d like to protect one or both of your converters from theft, you can park in a secure place, add your VIN onto the converters, or purchase a catalytic converter anti-theft protector.
Whether you’re anticipating catalytic converter theft or you’ve already experienced the unfortunateness of a stolen converter—we’ve got your back. We’ve prepared this comprehensive car repair
guide to preventing catalytic converter theft and how to proceed if yours was stolen. 
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 Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Ford Fusion?
Depending on your engine size, it could be fairly easy for a thief to access your catalytic converter.
Ford Fusions with a four-cylinder engine will have one catalytic converter located near the engine, making it mainly accessible from under the hood of the car. Fusion’s with V6 engines feature two catalytic converters—the same converter as the four-cylinder engine, lodged near the engine under the hood, and another located further down the vehicle, between the tail pipe and intake manifolds.
Although the Fusion has a lower ground clearance than an SUV or pickup truck, their catalytic converters are still a site of theft and can be easy to take if the car is lifted, or the hood is opened.
The second catalytic converter in the V6 Fusions is easier to steal than the first catalytic converter under the hood, as thieves can use a portable car jack to lift the vehicle and remove the converter. Alternatively, the first catalytic converter may require access to the engine.
Top Ford Fusion years that catalytic converter thieves target
All Ford Fusions can attract catalytic converter thieves, but models from 2006 to 2019 with V6 engines and two converters are more likely to be targets.
Additionally, if you own a Fusion Hybrid, you’d be wise to keep an eye out for precious metal thieves—hybrid catalytic converters feature a higher amount of valuable metals, which can easily be resold on the black market.
Why are Toyota Tundra catalytic converters stolen?
Catalytic converters take bi-produced emissions gasses from the combustion process and burn them into water, carbon dioxide, and heat. To do this, they use a fine collection of precious metals, including platinum, rhodium, and palladium. These metals are highly treasured and have increased in value over the years.
As of December 2022, here are the estimated values for each of the metals in your Fusion’s catalytic converter:
Platinum: $1,012 per ounce
Palladium: $1,876 per ounce
Rhodium: $12,700 per ounce
Your Fusion’s catalytic converter includes less than an ounce of each of these metals, but that doesn’t stop thieves. If it’s easy to access and easy to resell, it’s also easy for thieves to justify a quick jack-cut-and-run.
Ford catalytic converter replacement cost
Catalytic converter theft is both ethically unsound and financially straining. If you happen to be a victim of this unfortunate loss, it’ll definitely cost you.
Since catalytic converters are required to pass emissions tests, you’ll need to replace your stolen converter. RepairPal estimates that replacement costs for a Ford Fusion could range between $2,760 and $2,774 depending on your location and model year.
Choosing an aftermarket replacement could slightly bring that cost down, but the parts will remain fairly expensive, and the costs of complicated labor to install the converter will surely add to the price.
How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Toyota Tundra
Whether you’re rolling with a four-cylinder or V6 Ford Fusion, here are a few ways to prevent catalytic converter theft:
Park in a secure area
Secure your Fusion in a garage or a well-lit area, preferably monitored by video surveillance. If your Fusion is hidden away in a garage, you’ll be fairly safe from having your catalytic converter snatched away, but if a garage isn’t an option, feel free to add motion sensor lights to your driveway or a video surveillance warning sign to deter thieves.
Buy a catalytic converter shield
Thankfully, catalytic converter anti-theft shields are a thing! These devices usually come as aluminum plates or cages, which cover your cats and protect them from potential threats.
If you’re unsure where to find a reputable cat shield, we’ve got you—Cat Shield™ from MILLERCAT
, Cat Security™
or even on Amazon are great places to find a cat shield fitted for your Fusion. Be sure to compare their stock to your exact model. Catalytic converter shields are typically designed for DIY installation, so you won’t have to worry about pesky labor costs. Depending on where you purchase, the cat shield kit may come with security bolts and tools for a quick and swift installation.
Cat shields are great because they’ll not only deter theft, but they may also grant you a discounted rate on your comprehensive car insurance
! Put your VIN on the catalytic converter
If you etch your vehicle’s VIN into your catalytic converter, it cannot be sold on the black market! This is a great way to prevent theft as it makes your cat-con nearly invaluable to thieves.
You can take your Fusion to a muffler shop for tagging, or you can visit a catalytic converter etching event held by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
Invest in comprehensive insurance
Comprehensive insurance will not prevent cat-con theft, but it will financially protect you if your Fusion’s catalytic converter is stolen.
If you have comprehensive insurance
, you can submit a claim for catalytic converter theft, and the costs of replacing it will not fully come out of your own pocket. Depending on your coverage level, most or all of the replacement cost will be covered by your insurance provider. This can be especially helpful if you have a newer Fusion or a Fusion Hybrid, which require extra protection due to their overall higher value. What to do if your Toyota Tundra’s catalytic converter is stolen
First things first—if your catalytic converter was stolen, contact the police. If the theft took place in a camera monitored area, they may be able to get security footage to catch the thief.
Now, let’s say the thief is untraceable. At the very least, a police report can be useful for step two: reaching out to your car insurance
company. If you have comprehensive coverage on your policy, you can file a claim for theft and use the police report to back your claim. With comprehensive coverage and a valid claim, you could save thousands of dollars replacing your cat-con. Lastly, if you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you’ll need to replace your cat-con on your own. Opting for aftermarket parts can help you save on the overall replacement cost.
Can you drive a Ford Fusion without a catalytic converter?
Yes, you can continue driving your Ford Fusion without a catalytic converter, but that doesn’t mean you should.
If your vehicle is missing one or both of its cat-cons, you will not pass the mandatory emissions test required to re-register your vehicle. You may also experience road noises, rough acceleration, and lower fuel-efficiency, which could end up costing you more in the long run.
If your vehicle is failing to start, emits a rotten egg smell, or illuminates the “check engine” light
, you should probably refrain from driving and get your cat-con replaced as soon as possible. “I just had to buy a new car, and I needed quick help to get insurance before I could get my plates. Because I work so many hours, Jerry
was the ideal choice for getting things done without long phone calls and waiting periods.” —Rosa G.
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