How to Prevent Mazda CX-5 Catalytic Converter Theft
The Mazda CX-5 has front and rear catalytic converters. The rear cat may be a target for thieves. Find out why and how to prevent it here.
Written by Cameron Thiessen
Reviewed by Jessa Claeys
The Mazda CX-5 has two catalytic converters—one of which may be an easy target for thieves.
Every CX-5 has a warm-up three-way catalytic converter (WU-TWC) directly integrated with the exhaust manifold and a single-nano three-way catalytic converter (TWC) on the underside of the vehicle.
Catalytic converter (aka cat) theft has risen significantly in the last three years. Thieves are primarily targeting vehicles that are higher off the ground with converters that are exposed and located on the underside of the vehicle. If you have a Mazda CX-5 and are worried about catalytic converter theft, we’ll talk about how much you’re at risk, how to prevent theft, and what to do if your cat has been stolen.
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Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Mazda CX-5?
The simple answer is yes, it is easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Mazda CX-5.
But the catalytic converter that’s easiest to steal on the Mazda CX-5’s SkyActiv engine is less valuable than the WU-TWC that is a part of the exhaust manifold. This more valuable converter is accessible only via the engine bay, meaning you have to open the hood and remove other parts to get to it. In short, it’s no easy task.
While the Mazda CX-5 does have a single-nano cat in the traditional location, it contains a lower concentration of precious metals than a regular three-way cat, making it much less valuable to thieves.
However, a thief might not know this, and since your CX-5 crossover SUV is higher off the ground than a regular car, the underside of the vehicle is easier to access. Mazdas aren’t the most targeted vehicles, though.
The most commonly targeted SUVs for cat theft include the
Jeep Patriot
, Chevrolet Equinox
, and Honda CR-V
. Of all vehicle models, Ford F-Series
pickups are the most at risk, mostly due to ease of access.Top Mazda CX-5 years that catalytic converter thieves target
The most targeted models are going to be new ones since the catalytic converter on these models will be in the most pristine condition. However, any Mazda CX-5 model could be targeted and have its rear catalytic converter stolen.
Why are Mazda CX-5 catalytic converters stolen?
Catalytic converter theft has become more of an issue because of how much the values of precious metals have increased in recent years. While a catalytic converter has low amounts of these metals, it still could equate to a nice payout.
As of late December 2022, here’s what rhodium, palladium, and platinum are worth per ounce:
- Rhodium: $12,400
- Palladium: $1,619
- Platinum: $991
For reference, at the time of writing, gold is worth $1,796 per ounce. Because many catalytic converters are very easy to steal, cat theft can be an easy, quick buck for a thief who isn’t caught.
Mazda CX-5 catalytic converter replacement cost
The Mazda CX-5’s single-nano rear catalytic converter is the one that thieves are likely to target since it’s exposed on the underside of the vehicle. Replacing this TWC is likely to cost about $1,100, according to
RepairPal’s estimates
.The WU-TWC is tucked away. But in the unlikely event it’s stolen, this part will be more expensive to replace as you would probably have to replace the entire exhaust manifold.
However, if you purchase a third-party or aftermarket catalytic converter that fits in your vehicle instead of an OEM (aka genuine) part, you could save yourself some money.
How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Mazda CX-5
Regardless of the fact that your Mazda CX-5’s rear converter would not be worth as much to cat thieves, it’s still worth protecting since it’s pricey to replace. Here are some things you can do to lower the risk of having your rear TWC stolen.
Park in a secure area
If you park in a garage, a thief has to figure out how to get into the garage before being able to steal your cat. Most catalytic converter thefts occur while cars are parked on the street or in an unsecured parking lot.
If you can park somewhere that is illuminated and in plain view or in a parking area that is well-monitored, your vehicle is less likely to be a target.
Buy a catalytic converter shield
Catalytic converter shields are protective anti-theft devices that make it more difficult for thieves to access the part. You could purchase a
Cat Shield™ from MILLERCAT
or one of the devices made by Cat Security™
. Just be sure that the shield you’re getting will be compatible with your Mazda CX-5.Not only will installing a cat shield be a fairly easy DIY project, but it may also make you eligible for a comprehensive insurance discount, depending on your provider.
Put your VIN on the catalytic converter
You can take your vehicle to a mechanic and get them to etch your VIN directly onto the catalytic converter for you. In fact, some mechanics will perform this service for free. We wouldn’t suggest doing this job on your own unless you’ve done this sort of thing before.
Having your catalytic converter permanently marked with your VIN makes it more difficult for thieves to resell it and easier for it to be returned to you if it is recovered after being stolen.
Invest in comprehensive insurance
Having a
comprehensive insurance
policy won’t stop any thieves, but it will make catalytic converter theft less of an issue for you and your CX-5.Comprehensive coverage is the only type of insurance coverage that will allow you to make a claim for a stolen catalytic converter. If you have a new Mazda CX-5, the norm is to purchase full-coverage car insurance, which includes basic coverage, comprehensive coverage, and
collision insurance
.What to do if your Mazda CX-5’s catalytic converter is stolen
The first thing you should do is document the theft. Take a picture of the location where the cat was stolen and the spots where it was cut off and/or unfastened. Now, you can take this documentation and use it to file a police report. If there were any security cameras in the area, it may be possible to identify the thief and track down your stolen cat.
That being said, don’t get your hopes up. It’s becoming less and less common that police are actually able to catch these thieves, and if you haven’t marked or etched your VIN, there’s really no way of getting it back to you if a cache of stolen converters is recovered.
The thing that will protect you the most from the consequences of catalytic converter theft is a good comprehensive insurance plan. If you have one, you can easily contact your insurance company to file a claim. Bear in mind, you’ll likely have to pay your deductible before receiving a payout, though.
Otherwise, you might have to pay for your own replacement. Driving without your rear single-nano TWC is less of an issue than driving with no catalytic converter at all, but it’s still a repair that you should sort out as soon as possible.
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Can you drive a Mazda CX-5 without a catalytic converter?
Yes, it is safe to drive without your catalytic converter, but you shouldn’t make a habit of it.
First off, it’s illegal to intentionally remove your catalytic converter and drive without it, but the laws around driving after it’s been stolen are a bit less clear. That being said, if your state requires emissions testing in order to register a vehicle, your missing cat will result in an instant failure. You’ll have to replace your catalytic converter before being able to pass the safety inspection.
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