How to Prevent Nissan Murano Catalytic Converter Theft
Here’s what you need to know about Murano catalytic converter theft and how to prevent it.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Julian de Sevilla
Over the last five years, there’s been a dramatic increase in catalytic converter thefts across the country. To make your Nissan Murano a less appealing target, try parking in a secure area or installing an anti-theft device.
Whether you were unlucky enough to have your catalytic converter stolen, or you’re simply worried about the possibility, this guide is for you. We'll start with some tips and tricks you can use to discourage thieves, then walk you through what you should do if your catalytic converter gets stolen, and explain how good
car insurance
can help. Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
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 Nissan Murano?
No. Stealing a catalytic converter from a
Nissan Murano
isn’t easy. The Murano has three separate converters: two near the vehicle’s exhaust system, and one located on the undercarriage. Because all three converters are positioned in a way that makes them difficult to remove, the Nissan Murano isn’t a popular target—but that doesn’t mean your car is immune to catalytic converter theft. With a little time and effort, a skilled burglar could still get their hands on your catalytic converter.
Top Nissan Murano years that catalytic converter thieves target
If you happen to own a Nissan Murano with a hybrid powertrain, then your car could be a tempting target for motivated converter thieves. Because hybrid catalytic converters are constructed with a higher volume of precious metals, they often have better resale value.
Why are Nissan Murano catalytic converters stolen?
If you’ve ever wondered why there’s been a surge in catalytic converter theft, the answer is two-fold.
First off, catalytic converters are generally very easy to steal. An experienced thief armed with a Sawzall or other cordless saw only needs a few minutes to remove a catalytic converter—and stealing an unsecured converter from a vehicle with high ground clearance can knock that time down to 30 seconds or less!
Secondly (and perhaps more importantly) thieves target catalytic converters because they’re constructed with precious metals such as rhodium, platinum, and palladium. While a single catalytic converter only contains a small quantity of each of these metals, it still commands a high price on the resale market. When a thief sells a stolen catalytic converter to an auto salvage or scrap yard, they can usually make between $300 and $1,500. That’s a good chunk of change!
Nissan catalytic converter replacement cost
If you need to replace your Nissan Murano’s catalytic converter because it’s been damaged or stolen, you can usually expect to pay between $2,185 and $3,414 for a new one. Buying an aftermarket or second-hand converter can sometimes reduce those costs down, but it’s still one of the most expensive car parts to replace.
How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Nissan Murano
Whether you live in a state with a high rate of catalytic converter theft such as
California
, Texas
, or Illinois
, or you just want to make sure your Nissan Murano car parts stay out of the hands of thieves—here are some of the best theft-prevention strategies.Park in a secure area
If you need to leave your vehicle unattended, the best place to park is inside your garage, with the door down and secured. But if that’s not an option for you, you can try installing motion-sensor lights in your driveway, parking your car in a public garage with video surveillance, or in a well-lit area such as under a streetlamp.
In general, making it difficult to get under your car without being seen discourages thieves.
Buy a catalytic converter shield
Another way to protect your Nissan Murano from thieves is by investing in a security plate, cage, clamp, or shield. These anti-theft devices are relatively inexpensive—especially when compared to the cost of a new catalytic converter—and make it much more difficult for thieves to access your converter.
Not sure what kind of security you want? Start by researching popular models such as the
Catstrap
or Catclamp®
, or check out Cat Security™
for a variety of protective options. If you’re still not sure what to buy, simply ask your mechanic what they recommend. If you plan to do the installation on your own, make sure you select a model made to fit a Nissan Murano. Anti-theft devices are not one-size-fits-all.Pro Tip: Many car insurance companies offer a discount on comprehensive coverage to drivers who take steps to improve the safety and security of their vehicles.
Put your VIN on the catalytic converter
Did you know that a catalytic converter that’s been marked with the original vehicle’s VIN number is almost impossible to sell on the black market? This means that getting your vehicle identification number permanently etched into your converter is an excellent way to stop thieves in their tracks.
You can have this done at any muffler shop, use an etching tool to do it yourself, or attend a National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) catalytic converter etching event in your area.
Invest in comprehensive insurance
Comprehensive insurance
won’t prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen in the first place, but this optional coverage can help you save money since it allows you to submit a claim with your auto insurance for a stolen converter. Once you purchase comprehensive coverage, your auto insurance company will then cover the cost of repairing your vehicle after a stolen converter minus the deductible—saving you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in the process.
Not sure if you can afford comprehensive coverage? Ask your provider about
insurance discounts
, or compare car insurance quotes
to see if you can get a lower rate by switching insurance companies. What to do if your Nissan Murano’s catalytic converter is stolen
As long as you have comprehensive coverage, the first thing to do is contact your insurance provider and
submit a claim
. Be prepared to speak with your insurance adjuster about the circumstances surrounding the theft, and provide them with a copy of your police report. Your insurance company will then instruct you to schedule repairs, and work with you to cover the cost of your new catalytic converter. Of course, you’ll still need to pay your deductible before your insurance will pay the remaining cost—but your total bill will be much less than if you had to pay the full replacement cost.
On the other hand, drivers who don’t have comprehensive car insurance have to pay out-of-pocket for the cost of a replacement catalytic converter. Expect a hefty repair bill no matter what, but you can use an auto repair shop willing to install aftermarket parts to (slightly) reduce costs.
Can you drive a Nissan Murano without a catalytic converter?
While you can technically drive a Nissan Murano without a catalytic converter, it’s not a good idea. Not only does a missing converter make your vehicle incredibly loud and smelly, but your car also won't be able to pass emissions testing.
If you live in a state that requires an emissions test before your registration renewal, you’ll have to get a replacement converter before your testing deadline—but you’ll probably want one long before that.
Ultimately, it’s not dangerous to drive a Nissan Murano without its catalytic converter—but you really won’t want to.
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