Early Toyota Prius models have a single catalytic converter on the undersides, while later models have two, one of which is plugged into the engine.

Since their invention in the ’70s, catalytic converters have become essential to modern vehicles and air pollution control. Their ability to filter hazardous engine byproducts into relatively less harmful exhaust fumes has improved both fuel efficiency and air quality. The problem is that they need precious minerals to do so. Thanks to their easy-to-access location on the underside of older Priuses,

catalytic converter thefts have increased significantly in recent years

For your convenience,

Jerry

has written a guide to the Toyota Prius's catalytic converter location. We'll show you where it is, how thieves can get at it, and how to stop them. We’ll also discuss the consequences of driving without a cat con. Even if you remove it yourself, you might still be in trouble!

MORE:

How to lower your Toyota Prius insurance costs

Toyota Prius catalytic converter location

Toyota Prius hybrids have only one catalytic converter, either on the underside of the vehicle or under the hood.

The first and second generations of Toyota Prius (2001-2009) feature an expensive two-part catalytic converter that forms part of their exhaust pipes. It resembles a long cylinder with several chambers. You can access it by dismantling the exhaust pipe array or cutting it out from the underside of the vehicle.

Third-generation and fourth-generation Priuses (2010-2022) split the catalytic converter into two smaller parts. One is still located on the underside of the car, but the second is under the hood and thus harder to steal. It uses an integrated exhaust manifold to plug into the engine block, so several bolts and other parts must be removed before lifting it out. Although the 2023 Toyota Prius’ catalytic converter location has yet to be confirmed, we’ll be surprised if it doesn’t also use this two-part system.

The

official Toyota Parts Store

has diagrams showing the exact Toyota Prius catalytic converter location. Simply enter your car's year and model or VIN and search for "catalytic converter". The results will tell you what type of converter you have and how much it costs.

Can you drive without a catalytic converter?

Surprisingly, theft is not the only reason you might be driving without a catalytic converter. Some car owners alter or remove it to boost horsepower, but it's not a good idea to drive without one. The consequences can range from severe car damage to lower fuel mileage to thousands of dollars in fines.

Without this filter, your car will struggle to regulate toxic gasses, which will lower its fuel efficiency. If your exhaust line becomes completely blocked, it may stop working altogether. Even if you head straight to the garage after discovering your cat’s been taken, the short ride could damage your loosened exhaust line and cost you much more than

the price of an average tow

If you’re the one to remove your cat, you could face up to $10,000 in fines under

California's catalytic converter laws

. It’s an extreme example, but it illustrates just how important cats are for controlling air pollution. Even if you don’t get caught, you’ll probably fail to pass .

MORE:

What is OEM coverage?

Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Get ahead of my car maintenance

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

How to protect the catalytic converter on your Toyota Prius

Catalytic converter theft affects every year of Toyota Prius, but the second generation is particularly vulnerable. Its high concentration of precious metals, easy-access location, and the fact that Rhodium currently sells for $13,000/ounce make it an irresistible target. The Prius was the

tenth most likely car to suffer a catalytic converter theft

in 2021.

To keep your cat safe, follow these tips:

Get some armor: The CatStrapTM and CatClamp® are easy to install and shield the cat from would-be thieves. Other types of devices include alarms and cages.

Mind where you park: If you don’t have access to a private garage, a motion-sensing flood lamp or well-lit street corner will do. Park your car where there’ll be plenty of witnesses if someone tries to shimmy underneath it.

Put your name on it: Cats with a VIN etched on them are easier to trace, harder to sell, and less attractive to thieves as a result.

New York’s catalytic converter laws

now require dealerships to offer etching kits at cost with the purchase of every vehicle.

What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen

Despite your best efforts, your catalytic converter may be stolen anyway. Here’s what to do:

Document the theft: Take photos of your Prius’ underside as well as any surrounding evidence like handprints on the car or footsteps in the snow.

Talk to people in the area: Someone might have useful information to offer.

File a police report: It’s best to create a paper trail around the theft so you can prove exactly what happened.

File a car insurance claim

: If you have

comprehensive coverage

, now’s the time to use it.

Replace the converter: If you can’t get your stolen part covered by insurance, you can buy an aftermarket product. It’s cheaper to install and a less attractive target than genuine Toyota parts.

Our number one recommendation is to add comprehensive coverage to your

car insurance

policy before any theft occurs. It covers repairs and replacements to your car in case you’re the victim of a crime or weather-related accident.

MORE:

How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

When to replace the catalytic converter on a Toyota Prius

Even if it’s not stolen or otherwise removed, your Toyota Prius catalytic converter will have to be replaced around the 10-year mark. Choose

the best gasoline or fuel for your car

and avoid any

Toyota Prius off-road

adventures that could damage your car’s underside. Because, as you can imagine, replacing a cat can get pricy.

Here’s how you’ll know it’s time:

Your car doesn’t accelerate as quickly

Your engine seems sluggish

Your exhaust pipe produces dark or

foul-smelling smoke

(think rotten eggs)

The underside of your car overheats

Your car fails emissions testing

The

check engine warning light

won’t turn off

The cost to replace a Toyota Prius’ catalytic converter runs from $500 to $4,000. You can stay on the lower end of the scale if you buy an aftermarket part and ask a small garage to install it. The highest price will get you an OEM part, an official Toyota mechanic, and a one-year/unlimited-mile manufacturer’s guarantee.

All told, the average cost for this repair is about $2,000. That’s up to $1,600 for the part and the rest is labor and taxes. Unfortunately, if your cat was roughly removed, you might also have to pay for damaged surrounding components like sensors, manifolds, and coolant lines.

How to replace a catalytic converter

To replace your Prius’ catalytic converter, you’ll need the right part(s) and a video tutorial for your car’s model year. You’ll also need a lot of mechanical experience, a fully-equipped toolbox, and a whole lot of confidence. Replacing a catalytic converter is a major repair with a lot of potential for disaster, so if you must attempt it, do your research! You might even discover

how to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it

MORE:

How to lower your Toyota insurance costs

RECOMMENDED