How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft in a Lexus RX 350
The Lexus RX 350's catalytic converter is a big target for thieves due to its high build quality and easy-to-access location.
Written by Jasmine Kanter
Reviewed by Brenna Swanston
There are one to three catalytic converters in the
Lexus RX 350
, depending on the model year. You’ll need to invest some time and money to protect them all.Here’s the bad news: Regardless of the year, the Lexus RX 350 is a top target for catalytic converter thieves. The high quality and scrap value of these parts, combined with their convenient location on the car’s underside, make them an irresistible target. You'll need to invest wisely and park carefully to avoid a costly replacement.
Read on to learn how to prevent catalytic converter theft in a Lexus RX 350. We’ll talk about why converters are stolen, how they’re stolen, and how to protect them. It takes a little work, but it can be done!
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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+ driversWhat’s a catalytic converter?
In most modern vehicles, including the Lexus RX 350, a catalytic converter is an essential part of the exhaust. “Cat cons” filter the most hazardous and toxic components from your car’s exhaust, leaving behind mostly carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water. They’ve been required since the 1970s by environmental protection laws to preserve air quality.
Why are catalytic converters stolen?
The filtration power of a catalytic converter relies on precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. It should come as no surprise that since the price of these metals has risen, so has the number of
catalytic converter thefts
. The RX 350 is often targeted because thieves know it contains valuable, quality parts.Take a cat con to a junkyard and you could expect them to pay:
- $1,026 per ounce of platinum
- $1,850 per ounce of palladium
- $12,700 per ounce of rhodium
There’s less than an ounce of each of these metals in the catalytic converter of your RX 350, but it could still fetch between $300 and $1,500. Fortunately, junkyards and scrappers have begun to refuse parts that appear to be stolen and to keep detailed records of their sales. The risk of theft remains high despite these precautions, so let's move on: Here’s the location of your car’s cat con and how to protect it.
Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Lexus RX 350?
A catalytic converter theft is most likely to occur in the first, third, and fourth generations of the Lexus RX 350 (1999-2003, 2010-2022). A thief can walk away with your car's parts in just 60 seconds if you give them a chance.
Where is the catalytic converter located in a Lexus RX 350?
Depending on the model year, a Lexus RX 350 carries up to three catalytic converters, either inside its engine compartment or on the underside of the vehicle.
Cat cons inside the engine compartment are the least likely to be stolen. An integrated manifold connects them to the engine bank in multiple spots, making them time-consuming to dismantle. The thief would also have to pop the hood to get at them, which isn’t easy since the release lever is inside your car.
Cat cons on the underside of the vehicle are the most vulnerable. They’re attached to the exhaust pipe in two places, but they can be cut out with a sharp saw in seconds. The lack of physical barriers and the
Lexus RX 350’s ground clearance
of 7.1 to 8.2 inches makes it that much easier for a thief to crawl under your car.To verify the exact location and number of catalytic converters in your RX 350, visit the
Lexus Parts store
.Top Lexus RX 350 years that catalytic converter thieves target
Now that you know the difference between the two types of catalytic converters, you’re probably wondering which one(s) you have and how likely they are to be stolen. For the answers, check out the chart below:
Generation | Model years | Catalytic converters inside engine compartment | Catalytic converters on the underside of the vehicle | Theft risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
First | 1999-2003 | N/A | One | High |
Second | 2004-2009 | Two | N/A | Low |
Third | 2010-2015 | N/A | One | High |
Fourth | 2016-2022 | Two | One | High |
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It's not yet clear where the fifth-generation 2023 Lexus RX 350 will keep its catalytic converter(s). Considering the press around car part thefts, we'd be surprised if Lexus didn't take precautions when designing the exhaust.
According to a Lexus UK spokesperson, the company has
reduced precious mineral content
in their car parts over the years by up to 84%. Whether the thieves are aware of this fact remains to be seen.Key Takeaway Almost all the Lexus RX 350 model years have a catalytic converter on their undersides, making them prime targets for theft.
How to prevent catalytic converter theft in a Lexus RX 350
There are two ways to prevent a thief from making off with your RX 350’s catalytic converter. The first is to buy an anti-theft device to make it as difficult to steal as possible. The second is to choose a secure parking spot to minimize the chances of a burglar sneaking in unseen.
How to buy an anti-theft device
Lexus has yet to release an official solution, so you'll have to rely on the aftermarket, where you’ll find four kinds of anti-theft devices: shields, cages, clamps, and alarms.
As the name suggests, shields surround and protect your car’s catalytic converter. They're effective but hard to find for the RX 350, so you might want to look at a cage instead, like the
CatClamp®
. Alternatively, the CATSTRAP™
bonds your cat con to your car so that even if it’s loosened, you won’t lose it completely. Finally, if you’d prefer an alarm, look for one that responds to motion underneath your vehicle, like FastGuard Alarms
.Pick a secure and visible parking spot
If you’re looking for a parking spot in a city or using a private lane, try to put your car in as much light as possible. You could park underneath a lamp or near a busy street, or install a motion-sensing
Outdoor Reflector Security light
. The more eyes on your vehicle, the fewer chances a burglar can get close undetected.With that in mind, parking in a locked garage is the best option. In that case, would-be thieves not only have to contend with your vehicle but also with building locks, lights, and cameras. Needless to say, security doesn’t come cheap; you’ll have to do some research to find affordable private garages and airport parking zones.
Put your VIN on your catalytic converter
The next time you visit a muffler shop, ask if they’ll etch your VIN on your catalytic converter. It won't stop thieves from stealing it (unless the writing is very obvious), but you'll have a better chance of recovering it later. Scrappers also refuse to buy engraved parts.
What to do if your Lexus RX 350’s catalytic converter is stolen
If you start your engine and hear an unfamiliar growl, you’ll know
if your catalytic converter was stolen
. Here’s what to do:- Contact the police. They’ll initiate a search and file a police report, which you can use later.
- Document the scene of the crime. Step out of your car carefully and take pictures of your surroundings. Do you see footprints? A CCTV camera? In the search for the thief, every detail might be useful.
- Call for a tow. You could damage your car further if you cause any loosened parts to rattle around, which more than justifies theaverage tow cost.
- File a car insurance claim. If you havecomprehensive car insurance, now’s the time to use it. Include the police report in your documentation.
- Schedule an appointment at a local garage. Regardless of who pays for it, you need to replace your catalytic converter, and you’d best do it soon.
How much does it cost to replace a Lexus RX 350 catalytic converter?
Your total
Lexus RX 350 catalytic converter replacement cost
depends on your model year, but don’t expect it to come cheap. Replacement OEM parts cost between $1,000 and $1,700, and remember, your car might be carrying three of them. Add in labor, and you’re looking at a cost of between $1,500 to $3,000 per cat.It might be better to choose a non-OEM replacement part in this case. Not only is it cheaper, but thieves rarely steal off-brand cat cons. Just make sure the label is visible to anyone below the car.
Can you drive a Lexus RX 350 without a catalytic converter?
No—for one thing, your fuel mileage will suffer. If your exhaust becomes backed up, you could experience a loss of power. And if you’ve got a car inspection coming up, you’re guaranteed not to pass emissions testing.
In short, driving without a catalytic converter is bad for you, your car, the environment, and your wallet. Under
California’s catalytic converter laws
, you could be hit with a $10,000 fine!"I thought my previous insurance rate was the best I could get, since I have a luxury SUV. AfterJerryfound me quotes, I ended up paying only $80 a month for the same exact coverage. I’ll be shopping for auto insurance through Jerry from now on!” —Petra S.
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