How to Prevent Lexus RX Catalytic Converter Theft

Prevent catalytic converter thieves from targeting your Lexus RX by parking in a secure area or installing an anti-theft device on your SUV, like a catshield.
Written by Mary Cahill
Reviewed by Amy Bobinger
The Lexus RX is one of the most popular luxury SUVs out there—and unfortunately, it’s an equally popular target for catalytic converter thieves. If you drive this vehicle you can lower your chances of becoming a victim of catalytic converter theft by parking in a secure location, etching your RX’s VIN directly on the cat, or purchasing an anti-theft device like a catalytic converter plate. 
When you invest in a luxury vehicle like the Lexus RX, the last thing you want to think about is what to do if your catalytic converter gets stolen. The sobering truth is that thieves have your RX’s catalytic converter on their radar due to its quality manufacturing and easy-to-reach underbody location. 
It’s nearly impossible to keep a watchful eye over your vehicle 24/7, which is why Lexus RX drivers should consider taking a few precautions to help decrease the chances of having their vehicle tampered with. It may also be worth your while to purchase a supplemental
car insurance
policy that can assist with the
car repair
costs to replace this coveted (and expensive) part if it goes missing. 
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Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Lexus RX?

Sadly, yes. SUVs like the Lexus RX are attractive models for catalytic converter thieves on account of their high ground clearance. The RX’s catalytic converter is located on the underbody of the vehicle, which makes it all too easy for a thief to shimmy underneath and remove it from the exhaust line. 
Many Lexus RX models have not one but two catalytic converters as part of the vehicle’s exhaust system. Even amateur thieves know that there’s a catalytic converter situated right underneath the vehicle, and stealing one can be done in a matter of seconds. 

Top Lexus RX years that catalytic converter thieves target

According to recent reports, the Lexus RX remains a sought-after vehicle for cat thieves and all model years are at risk. The RX 350 is a hot commodity because it’s been manufactured by Lexus since 2007, which means there are a lot of them on the road. 
The RX 300 was produced from 1999 to 2003, while its successor the RX 330 had a run between 2004 and 2006. Although these models may not be as prevalent these days, they too have a catalytic converter located on their underbodies that are easy pickings for opportunistic thieves. 
Then there are the RX hybrids to consider. The RX 350h,
RX 450h
, and RX450hL are current models that are particularly vulnerable to cat theft. Catalytic converters on hybrid vehicles typically contain a higher concentration of the coveted precious metals thieves are after, which makes them prized targets. 

Why are Lexus RX catalytic converters stolen?

Those precious metals we just mentioned are exactly the reason why catalytic converter thefts have shot through the roof in the last few years. The catalytic converter’s job on any vehicle is to filter out environmentally harmful toxins before they can escape through the tailpipe. This filtering system is comprised of a honeycomb of rhodium, platinum, and palladium—all of which are rare, naturally occurring metallic elements that carry a high monetary value. 
These metals have always been valuable, but come 2022, their resale price on the black market has soared. Today, an ounce of platinum can command a price of $1,128 per ounce while palladium goes for $2,938 per ounce. Then there’s rhodium—its going rate has increased upwards of 180%, with an eye-popping resale rate of $20,000 per ounce

Lexus catalytic converter replacement cost

Replacing a catalytic converter on a Lexus RX could run you between $1,000 and $2,200. Catalytic converters have long been known as one of the costliest replacement parts, but due to thefts reaching epidemic heights, more and more drivers are being forced to reckon with these unsettling repair costs. 
It’s possible to lower the replacement cost by choosing an aftermarket cat instead of an OEM one. If this is the route you want to take, just make sure you find a mechanic who is willing to install the cheaper catalytic converter on your behalf. 

How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Lexus RX

If you want to take an extra step or two to reduce the risk of your RX’s cat getting nabbed, consider the following tips. 

Park in a secure area

The most secure place to park your RX is a garage, but if you don’t have access to one, there are other things you can do. If you park in a driveway, it could be wise to set up a motion-activated light. Thieves seek solace in the shadows, so if your RX has a spotlight shining over it, they may decide to move along. 
Drivers who park on the street for the night won’t have the luxury of installing such a light, so instead, make streetlamps your friend. Parking in a well-lit area—preferably one with a steady amount of pedestrian traffic—will make your RX a less enticing target. 
MORE: How to find a parking spot in the city

Buy a catalytic converter shield

Since cat thefts show little sign of slowing down, it may be wise to invest in an anti-theft device like a catalytic converter shield. Cat shields, cat cages, and cat clamps are some of the most popular safeguards on the market today. You can check out a site like
catshield.com
to explore the latest anti-theft options for Lexus. 

Put your VIN on the catalytic converter

True, a thief probably won’t notice that you’ve had your RX’s VIN etched onto your catalytic converter until after they’ve taken it, but marking your cat this way will likely prevent it from being hocked on the black market. It will also help authorities return the part to you if it’s recovered later.
Etching your catalytic converter with the VIN should be a pretty easy and affordable process—just ask a local mechanic or muffler shop if they can get the job done. 

Invest in comprehensive insurance

Buying
comprehensive coverage
may not prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen, but it can do wonders in the aftermath of the theft. This supplemental policy is the only type of car insurance that reimburses drivers for vehicle vandalism or theft
Considering that replacing your Lexus RX’s catalytic converter will cost at least a grand, you may want to invest in comprehensive coverage as an extra precaution. If you have comprehensive coverage, you’ll only have to pay your deductible—insurance will cover the rest. 
Just keep in mind that if you aren’t carrying comprehensive insurance prior to your catalytic converter being stolen, you’ll have no choice but to pay for the replacement out of pocket

What to do if your Lexus RX’s catalytic converter is stolen 

The sad fact of the matter is that drivers often don’t realize their catalytic converter has been stolen until they start having mechanical problems. Once you do become aware of its absence, contact the police. There might be a chance that a nearby security camera captured the theft, which could be helpful to your case. 
After you’ve filed a police report, the next step is to report the theft to your insurance company. If you have comprehensive coverage at the time of the theft, your provider will help you pay for the replacement costs—but you’ll need to pay a
deductible
first. 
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Can you drive a Lexus RX without a catalytic converter?

Not for long. If one or both of your RX’s catalytic converters was taken, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll start noticing your vehicle behaving abnormally. 
A laggy engine, rough acceleration, and an overheating underbody are strong signs that your catalytic converter has flown the coop. Plus, all of those harmful fumes your catalytic converter used to filter are being released into the environment when you drive without one.
Another troublesome consequence of a missing catalytic converter creates is that you won’t be able to pass emissions testing. Depending on where you live, you may be required to get an emissions test in order to keep your vehicle's registration up to date. If this is the case, you must get the catalytic converter replaced before the testing deadline. 
The bottom line: if you want to do the right thing for your RX and the planet, you should be driving with a catalytic converter.
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