The Mazda 3 may not make it on the top 10 list for the most targeted model for catalytic converter (CAT) theft, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Protect your vehicle by investing in a catalytic converter shield, parking in a secure area, and investing in comprehensive insurance coverage.
Catalytic converter theft rates are increasing across the country, jumping a whopping 326% in 2020 and another 353% in 2021. While the Mazda 3 may not be the prime target for CAT thieves, it’s natural to still worry about it. We’re here to give you all the details on Mazda 3 catalytic converter theft and how you can protect yours (including the type of car insurance
you need to cover it). 
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 Mazda 3?
Unlike some vehicles where the catalytic converter has been moved to the engine bay, the catalytic converter on a Mazda 3 sits along the exhaust system between your engine and tailpipe. Due to this design, your Mazda’s CAT is exposed and easy to access, putting it at a higher risk of catalytic converter theft.
But there are a few things the Mazda 3 has going for it—namely, low ground clearance and a non-hybrid powertrain. If CAT thieves are going to strike, they want a catalytic converter that’s easy to access and quick to take. With a ground clearance ranging between 4.7 to 6.1 inches, it’s a tight squeeze and the CAT is a challenge to access without a car jack.
The Mazda 3 also doesn’t have a hybrid powertrain, making it even less appealing to thieves. The catalytic converter on hybrid vehicles typically has higher amounts of precious metals that are needed to meet stricter emissions goals, which makes them more profitable for thieves.
Generally speaking, Mazdas
and brands like Jeep
, Nissan
, and Hyundai
aren’t at high risk for catalytic converter theft, so you won’t have to worry as much about it happening to you. Top Mazda 3 years that catalytic converter thieves target
If you own a Mazda 3, you’re in luck—it’s a model that’s not subject to high rates of catalytic converter theft. But because Mazda hasn’t changed the design and location of their catalytic converters, and it’s still accessible to thieves willing to use a car jack, you’re not totally in the clear. Some owners suggest that 2014 to 2018 Mazda 3s may be at a higher risk than other model years.
But as we said, Mazda catalytic converters typically don’t fetch as much on the black market as brands like Ram
or Ford
, for example, so thieves will generally go where they can get more money. Why are Mazda 3 catalytic converters stolen?
Catalytic converters are a small but crucial piece of your vehicle’s exhaust system. They’re found in all gas, diesel, and hybrid vehicles because they filter toxic emissions from the exhaust system using specific (and very valuable) precious metals—platinum, rhodium, and palladium.
Because these metals are expensive and fetch top dollar on the black market, catalytic converters are a common target for people looking to make quick cash.
As of December 2022, here’s what each of the metals in your Mazda’s catalytic converter is worth:
Platinum: $1,028 per ounce
Palladium: $1,908 per ounce
Rhodium: $12,700 per ounce
Of course, you’re not going to find an ounce of each metal in your Mazda 3’s catalytic converter, but they contain small amounts and can make thieves a bit of money. And when they’re somewhat easy to access, like on a Mazda 3, there’s a higher risk of catalytic converter theft.
But as we said, the historically low ground clearance on a Mazda 3 makes it trickier for thieves to steal the catalytic converter without drawing attention to themselves.
Mazda catalytic converter replacement cost
It costs around $1,300 to replace a Mazda 3 catalytic converter, and while it is less expensive than many other models, it’s still pricey. If you’re looking to save a few dollars on installing a new catalytic converter (and reduce the chance of having it stolen again), consider buying an aftermarket replacement CAT.
How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Mazda 3
Whether you drive a 2010 Mazda 3 or a brand new, straight off-the-lot 2023, there are a few ways to prevent your Mazda 3’s catalytic converter from being stolen. Here are our top tips.
Park in a secure area
Park your Mazda 3 in a home garage, underground parking facility, or another well-lit area, preferably with video surveillance. If you don’t have access to a secure location, it might be worth investing in an outdoor surveillance system or motion sensor floodlights in your driveway.
Most thieves don’t want to be seen, and video recordings and lights can help deter them.
But the easiest way to prevent thieves from stealing your catalytic converter is to prevent access to your car.
Invest in an anti-theft device
For vehicles like the Mazda 3, where catalytic converters are easily accessible from underneath the car, a catalytic converter anti-theft device or shield can be helpful to reduce the potential for theft—and it’s much more cost-effective than having to replace it.
Because Mazdas aren’t a hot target for theft, finding specific shields for them can be tricky, but there are universal locking devices available online that can protect your CAT for a relatively affordable price. They can range from $150 to $400, but it depends on the product.
Alternatively, you can contact a local muffler shop and inquire about a custom-welded device specific to your Mazda 3. Keep in mind that directly attaching your catalytic converter to your Mazda’s frame can be noisy since the exhaust system is usually suspended from the car.
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Put your VIN on the catalytic converter
Etching your VIN on your catalytic converter isn’t a guaranteed method to stop catalytic converter thieves, but CATs with the VIN scratched on them can’t be sold on the black market, so it makes them a lot less enticing to thieves.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) holds regular catalytic converter etching events, so if you can find one close to your home, it’s a quick and easy way to reduce the risk of having yours stolen!
Invest in comprehensive insurance coverage
Investing in comprehensive coverage
won’t stop thieves from stealing your Mazda 3’s catalytic converter, but it will cover the costs if someone does, along with the cost of repairs for damage during its removal. If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you won’t be able to submit a claim for catalytic converter theft, and replacement costs will come out of your pocket.
What to do if your Mazda’s catalytic converter is stolen
If you’ve started your Mazda 3 only to hear a roar from the exhaust, chances are you’ve had your catalytic converter stolen. Take a breath and follow these steps.
First, don’t drive your car! Although it’s not unsafe to drive your Mazda without a catalytic converter, you can risk more damage because the rest of your vehicle’s exhaust system may not be secure. If you’re not at home, pick up your phone and call roadside assistance
for help. Report it to the authorities. If your vehicle was parked in a public place (or even in a driveway with a camera), you might be able to get your hands on video footage to identify the perps. Even if the police can’t identify the thief, you can still file a police report, which you’ll likely need if you file an insurance claim. Also, be sure to document the theft with photos.
Contact your insurance company to file a claim. This is only required if you have comprehensive coverage, as it should protect you against theft. They'll also cover repair costs if your vehicle sustains damage during removal. Keep in mind that you will have to pay your deductible before your insurance provider pays out the remainder of the costs.
If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, the cost to replace your catalytic converter will be out of pocket. If you’re trying to save a few bucks, look for a mechanic that uses aftermarket parts.
Can you drive a Mazda without a catalytic converter?
If you’re in the unfortunate position of having your catalytic converter stolen, driving without it isn’t unsafe, but it’s not recommended. It won’t damage your engine or any other part of your Mazda 3, but most states have laws that mandate catalytic converters for emissions requirements.
Driving without a catalytic converter is illegal in every state, and if you’re caught, you could face some steep financial penalties—and they could be more than the cost of replacing your CAT in the first place.
You also won’t be able to pass your state’s emissions testing, so if you live in a state that requires an emissions test to renew your vehicle’s registration, you won’t be able to go through the renewal process.
The bottom line: Driving your Mazda 3 without a catalytic converter won’t damage your engine, and it is safe, but it’s not recommended—both for your sake and the environment!
"Jerry
saved me so much time and money! I went from $230 to $150, still with full coverage! The whole process was amazingly simple!” —Ronda S.
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