How to Prevent Jeep Wrangler Catalytic Converter Theft
You might be able to lower your risk of Jeep Wrangler catalytic converter theft by parking in secure areas or installing an anti-theft device.
Written by Meaghan Branham
Reviewed by Jessa Claeys
The Jeep Wrangler is far and away the most recognizable and well-known model from the Jeep lineup—but it’s also a hit among those looking to steal catalytic converters. To prevent Jeep Wrangler catalytic converter theft, you can take steps like keeping your Wrangler in a secure spot, installing an anti-theft device, and etching the VIN into the part itself.
If you’re a
Jeep
owner worried about the sudden nationwide spike in catalytic converter theft, we don’t blame you. Statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) are worrisome, with the number of catalytic converter thefts jumping from 3,389 to 14,433 in 2020. To keep you from becoming a statistic, read on for a guide to Jeep Wrangler catalytic converter theft. Here’s how to prevent it, what to do if you are a victim, and how
car insurance
might be able to help. Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversIs it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Jeep Wrangler?
SUVs and trucks—including many Jeep models—are unfortunately very popular among catalytic converter thieves.
Why? It really boils down to ease of access. Most Wranglers have just one catalytic converter (aka cat or cat con), although some are equipped with two depending on the model year you’re driving. In both cases, they will be located underneath the vehicle, between the tailpipe and intake manifold—and without any protection around them.
The Jeep Wrangler’s high ground clearance makes cat-con theft even simpler. In many cases, anyone looking to steal this part can utilize all the extra space beneath the vehicle to slip under it and use a reciprocating saw to cut the part out.
Top Jeep models that catalytic converter thieves target
The Jeep Wrangler is just one of a few Jeep models commonly targeted for catalytic converter theft, although it isn’t in the top two.
In many expert rankings, the
Jeep Patriot
is the third-most commonly targeted vehicle. Coming in just behind it is the Jeep Gladiator
, which has an especially high ground clearance of 11.1 inches. Why are Jeep Wrangler catalytic converters stolen?
Catalytic converters are stolen from Jeep Wranglers for the same reason they are stolen from any other vehicle: for the precious metals they contain.
Cat cons are made up of a honeycomb mesh coated in precious metals including rhodium, platinum, and palladium. These metals are the key to the chemical reaction that converts the harmful emissions from the exhaust into less harmful gases—the entire purpose of the catalytic converter.
But it isn’t what those metals can do that makes them appealing, it's what they are worth. Here’s a look at the average value of these metals as of January 2023:
- Platinum: $1,074 per ounce
- Palladium: $1,776 per ounce
- Rhodium: $13,250 per ounce
As you can see, even if catalytic converters contain very small amounts of each metal, they are more than worth the risk for many thieves.
Jeep catalytic converter replacement cost
The cost to replace a Jeep catalytic converter depends on the model you drive. For a Jeep Wrangler, the average cost is between $1,877 and $1,958 according to RepairPal.
Most of that cost is derived from the part itself, which can cost upward of $1,500. The other portion can be attributed to the cost of labor, as the process to reinstall this component can be complex.
How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Jeep Wrangler
You don’t have to rely on hope alone to help you prevent catalytic converter theft. There are precautions you can take to lower your chance of having yours stolen.
Park in a secure area
Parking in areas with high visibility can dissuade those looking to steal your catalytic converter from doing so because of the much higher risk that they may be caught.
Look for lots and garages that are well-lit, bustling with people, or equipped with security cameras or guards on duty. These added obstacles to going unnoticed might be enough to protect you from thieves.
Buy a catalytic converter anti-theft device
Anti-theft devices specifically designed for catalytic converters are a great tool to deter thieves. You have a few options when it comes to what kind of device you want to install:
- Anti-theft shields: These are sheets made of stainless steel or aluminum that fit snugly over the catalytic converter.
- Catstrap™: This consists of a steel cable with wire ropes on top, which make it difficult for a reciprocating saw to find a grip and cut off the cat.
- CatClamp®: This device looks more like a cage than a clamp, consisting of wire ropes that form a barrier around the converter.
Installing one of these devices may even make you eligible for a
discount on your car insurance
policy, depending on your provider and the specifics of your coverage. Etch your VIN on the catalytic converter
If your catalytic converter has been branded with your VIN, it becomes a lot more difficult for someone who has stolen it to resell it on the black market.
You can have this done at one of the catalytic converter etching events the NICB regularly holds, or you can take it to a muffler shop.
Invest in comprehensive insurance
While having comprehensive insurance won’t prevent the theft of your cat, you’ll be relieved to have this extra protection if yours is stolen.
Comprehensive coverage
, unlike other policy types, allows you to file a claim for your missing converter. This means you won’t have to pay for the full price of your new part out-of-pocket.
What to do if your Jeep Wrangler’s catalytic converter is stolen
If you and your Jeep Wrangler are the victims of catalytic converter theft, here’s what to do:
- First, contact the police. They may be able to identify and capture the thief with the help of some investigative work. But even if they can’t, they’ll be able to document the event with a police report.
- Then, contact your insurance company. If you have comprehensive coverage, you can file a claim for the theft. You may need to provide the police report, so don’t skip that step.
- Finally, you’ll need to replace the catalytic converter. This process will depend on whether or not you were able to file a claim with your provider. If you were, your insurance company may cover much of the cost and help you make an appointment at an auto shop. If you were not, you’ll need to pay for the part out-of-pocket.
Can you drive a Jeep Wrangler without a catalytic converter?
Technically, you can drive a Jeep Wrangler without a catalytic converter—or converters, depending on your model year. But not very long.
At least, not without some serious concerns. You’ll notice excessive noise coming from your vehicle, clunky operation, and rapid engine wear. Plus, you’ll be taking a serious toll on the planet by emitting harmful gases into the atmosphere and won’t be able to pass an emissions test.
It’s best to get your catalytic converter replaced as soon as possible, for your car and your conscience.
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