The Subaru Crosstrek isn’t one of the top targets for catalytic converter thieves, but that doesn’t mean it’s totally safe, either. You can protect your car by parking smart, etching the part, or adding an anti-theft plate to your Crosstrek.
Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise, so you’re right to be worried about yours. Whether you’re just concerned about your Crosstrek’s converter or you’ve just been the victim of a catalytic converter theft, we’ve got the answers for you right here. Keep reading to find out the risk of theft for your Crosstrek—plus ways to protect it in the future.
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 Subaru Crosstrek?
Not especially. Fortunately for Crosstrek drivers, the catalytic converter is mounted directly within the exhaust manifold and headers
between the two front wheels, so it’s not the easiest to access. On top of that, the catalytic converter is hidden by a large plastic skidplate and surrounded by heat shielding that would make it difficult to access for even the quickest thieves. That being said, you’re not completely out of the woods. For bandits not familiar with car parts, it’s possible they could mistake your resonator
for the catalytic converter and steal that instead. Luckily that’s a much cheaper fix than replacing a catalytic converter. The Crosstrek’s older sibling, the Subaru Forester
, is at a much higher risk for catalytic converter theft due to two main factors: its higher ground clearance and its more valuable catalytic converter. Top Subaru Crosstrek years that catalytic converter thieves target
Just because the Subaru Crosstrek isn’t a top target for catalytic converter theft doesn’t mean it’s not a target at all. In fact, hybrid Crosstrek models could be a larger target for theft due to their more valuable catalytic converters. In general, the more fuel-efficient a gas-powered car is, the more precious metals the catalytic converter contains.
Why are Subaru Crosstrek catalytic converters stolen?
Catalytic converters are a critical part of your vehicle’s exhaust system. Using precious metals like rhodium, platinum, and palladium as catalysts, these parts convert harmful exhaust fumes into less harmful emissions. The value of those precious metals has skyrocketed in recent years—which means catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed, too.
As of December 2022, here’s what each metal in your Crosstrek’s catalytic converter is worth:
Palladium: $1,630 per ounce
Rhodium: $12,018 per ounce
These numbers are down from earlier in the year, but these values won’t deter thieves looking to make a quick buck.
A vehicle’s ground clearance
also plays a huge role in how much of a target it is. Taller vehicles that don’t require jacks to slide under are easy to target. With the Crosstrek’s ground clearance of 8.7 inches, slipping underneath to grab a part wouldn’t be too difficult—but a thief isn’t likely to get away as quickly if they have to cut through the plastic skidplate to reach your converter. Subaru Crosstrek catalytic converter replacement cost
It’s a good thing Crosstrek catalytic converters aren’t easy to steal because replacing one could cost around $2,000. Of course, this price will vary depending on your specific year model and the labor costs in your area. Choosing an aftermarket converter will lower that cost some, but you’ll need to make sure it meets your state’s emissions requirements before making a decision.
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How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Subaru Crosstrek
As thieves get more desperate, it may be worth it to up your anti-theft game. Here are a few strategies to prevent catalytic converter theft on your Subaru Crosstrek.
Park in a secure area
Parking your Crosstrek inside a garage is the best option, but the second-best option is to park in a well-lit area—bonus points if it has video surveillance. Another good deterrent is installing motion sensor lights in your driveway. These all make it more difficult for a thief to get your car alone without being spotted.
Buy a catalytic converter shield
If you want to go the extra mile to protect your catalytic converter, you can replace the plastic skidplate with an aluminum plate cover and add some tamper-proof bolts. Most mainstream catalytic converter shield brands aren’t available for Subarus, but you may be able to find a part that works from online retailers like Amazon.
Most of these shields are created for DIY installation, too, so it shouldn’t be too much of a hassle to add extra protection.
Another perk to this added protection? You may earn a discounted rate
on your comprehensive car insurance premiums! Put your VIN on the catalytic converter
Etching your VIN on your catalytic converter is a good way to deter thieves because it makes the converter less likely to be sold after it’s stolen. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) offers etching events regularly, and local police and muffler shops typically offer similar services.
Invest in comprehensive insurance
This won’t protect your catalytic converter from being stolen in the first place, but it will protect your wallet if the worst happens and you’re the victim of a theft. Comprehensive insurance
covers the cost of a catalytic converter theft—and without it, you’ll be paying thousands out of pocket. You’ll still want to do everything you can to prevent the theft, but it’s also crucial to be prepared for it if it happens.
What to do if your Subaru Crosstrek’s catalytic converter is stolen
So your catalytic converter actually got stolen—what now?
First of all, don’t panic. If you find out your Crosstrek’s catalytic converter was stolen, you’ll want to contact the police. They may be able to use security footage or other evidence to identify the thief.
If they can’t catch the perpetrator, they can file a police report—which you’ll need when you contact your insurance provider. If you’ve got comprehensive coverage, you can file a claim for theft and get the replacement taken care of.
Your insurance company will likely work with you to find a repair shop and schedule the repairs. While you’ll have to pay your deductible before insurance kicks in, the rest of the cost should be covered by your insurance.
Don’t have comprehensive coverage on your policy? You’ll still have to replace your catalytic converter since it’s an essential part of your vehicle—but you’re going to have to pay for it yourself. You could save some money by locating a mechanic willing to use an aftermarket converter instead.
Can you drive a Subaru Crosstrek without a catalytic converter?
You can technically still drive your Subaru Crosstrek without a catalytic converter, but it’s not a great solution for the long term. Plus, driving without a catalytic converter is illegal in almost every state.
Not only will you notice some rough acceleration and louder road noises, but you’ll also be emitting toxic gasses. This doesn’t just affect the environment, either—you could also fail your state emissions testing.
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