Unfortunately, the Toyota Tacoma’s high ground clearance and easy-to-access catalytic converters make it a popular target for theft. The good news is, there are steps you can take to protect your vehicle, including investing in anti-theft devices, tagging your catalytic converter with your VIN, and parking in a secure place.
Since 2019, catalytic converter theft has been on the rise. And we’re not just talking a little bit—between 2019 and 2020, there was a 325% increase in reported cat-con thefts, and those numbers have only continued to rise.
If you’re looking for ways to protect your Tacoma (or need help dealing with a stolen cat) you’re in the right place. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about keeping your truck safe: from how to deter theft, to what to do if your catalytic converter is stolen, and the type of car insurance
you need to cover replacement and car repair
costs. 
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Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Toyota Tacoma?
The short answer is: yes, unfortunately, Toyota Tacomas are an easy target for catalytic converter theft. Due to their higher ground clearance and the presence of not one but two catalytic converters located underneath the vehicle, Tacomas have become an ever-increasingly popular model for cat burglars.
The latest generation of Tacomas (released between 2016-2022) features a primary and secondary catalytic converter located within the mid-pipe assembly of the exhaust systems. The purpose is to effectively filter toxins from the Tacoma’s twin exhaust pipes—but all thieves see is a two-for-one special. In Tacomas with the optional V6 powertrain (instead of the standard four-cylinder) there are three converters!
No matter the number you have, it’s important to take proper measures to protect your catalytic converters. Given the Tacoma’s 9.4 inches of ride height, it’s an easy thing for crooks to slide underneath the truck and cut out these components—then vanish without a trace.
Top Toyota Tacoma years that catalytic converter thieves target
According to Carfax
, the most targeted models of the Toyota Tacoma are those made between 1995 to 2001. But wait, you say. Didn’t the Tacoma come out in 1995? Yes, yes it did.
In its two-and-a-half decades on the market, the Tacoma has failed to see any major relocations of its catalytic converters—making them a consistently popular target for theft throughout the years. And Tacomas aren’t the only Toyota target. Camrys and Priuses see even higher rates of catalytic converter theft
across the country. Why are Toyota Tacoma catalytic converters stolen?
Catalytic converters are an essential part of your Tacoma’s exhaust system, as they function to filter harmful toxins out of your truck’s exhaust system. However, the catalyst for this filtration process is a high-value combination of precious metals, including rhodium, platinum, and palladium.
These precious materials are the things thieves are actually after—as many of these metals have seen increased value in recent years. As of March 2022, here’s what each of the metals in your Tacoma’s catalytic converter is worth:
Platinum: $1,128 per ounce
Palladium: $2,938 per ounce
Rhodium: $20,000 per ounce
To be sure, there’s less than an ounce of each of these metals in your truck’s catalytic converters. But the high value isn’t the only factor driving theft. Another is just how easy cat-cons are to steal—especially from full-size trucks.
Toyota catalytic converter replacement cost
Catalytic converter theft isn’t just morally bad—it’s also a big deal for your wallet. It costs between $1,100 and $1,500 to replace a Toyota Tacoma catalytic converter—and that’s just for one. If you’re looking at two or three, you could face a bill between $3,000 and $4,500 for replacement parts, not including the cost of labor.
How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Toyota Tacoma
With catalytic converter theft on the rise, it’s important to do your part in protecting this essential component of your truck. Here are some tips to keep your cat-cons safe and where they belong:
Park in a secure area
Ideally, parking in a secured garage with video surveillance is the best way to keep your truck safe—and not just from catalytic converter theft. But if that’s not an option for you, even parking under a well-placed street lamp or close to a motion-sensor floodlight could be enough to deter would-be cat burglars.
Buy a catalytic converter shield
Investing in anti-theft devices
may be well worth your while—one we’d recommend is a catalytic converter shield, which typically comes as an aluminum plate or cage that covers your cats. Other options include cat straps or wires, which are adhesive barriers you can attach to add an extra layer of security to your converter; and underbody alarms that activate when the converter is touched or jostled. There are even anti-theft stickers you can attach to your windshield or car window to let would-be bandits know that your catalytic converter is well-secured (or scare them into thinking so).
As with any aftermarket product, you’ll want to ensure that the safety device you’re looking at is the right fit for your vehicle—you can always double-check your owner’s manual for specific specs regarding your truck. You can find catalytic converter anti-theft devices on virtually any auto parts website or store—even sites like Amazon
carry a wide variety! Put your VIN on the catalytic converter
Another option is to have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto the outside of the catalytic converter itself. In the event the part is ever stolen, a VIN not only makes it easier to track—but also harder for criminals to sell on the black market. That’s why having the VIN included on the converter can be a powerful deterrent for theft.
The good news is, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) holds catalytic converter etching events across the country— and if you can find one in your area, it’s an easy way to get this anti-theft service done. Muffler shops can also do the work of tagging your catalytic converter for you.
Invest in comprehensive insurance
While insurance won’t necessarily deter theft, it will protect you from potential financial consequences if your cat gets stolen.
Comprehensive insurance
covers damages that are the result of events not related to collisions—think natural disasters, hitting a deer
—and yes, even theft. But without this type of coverage, you won’t be able to submit a claim with your insurance company for a stolen catalytic converter—meaning you’ll have to pay replacement costs out of your own pocket. In general, it’s a good idea to get full-coverage protection
for your truck (especially if you drive a newer model). What to do if your Toyota Tacoma’s catalytic converter is stolen
According to the NCIB
, in 2021 over 20 states proposed new or firmer legislation in response to rising catalytic converter theft rates. If you’re unlucky enough to have your catalytic converter stolen—and, unfortunately, many people are—then there are a few things you’ll need to know. The first thing to do is contact the local authorities. If your truck was parked in a public area, there’s a chance security footage from nearby buildings may have caught the incident, and could be useful in identifying the person who took it. Even if that’s not the case, you’ll still want to contact the police to file a police report.
If your policy includes comprehensive coverage, you can take that police report and use it to help file a claim with your insurer. If you’ve got the coverage, you won’t want to skip this step—otherwise, you could face paying thousands out of pocket!
Your insurance company can help you schedule repairs and cover the cost of replacement parts. In most cases, you still have to pay an insurance deductible beforehand—but this is typically much less than what the total cost of repairs will be.
If your policy doesn’t include comprehensive coverage, you’ll still have to replace the catalytic converter—and you’ll want to do it sooner rather than later. Without a working catalytic converter (or two, or three) your truck won’t be able to pass emissions testing—and you’ll be leaking harmful pollutants everywhere you go. If the cost is a problem, you can look into aftermarket parts as a potential way to save some money.
MORE: Recommended maintenance schedule for a Toyota
Can you drive a Toyota Tacoma without a catalytic converter?
Long story short: no, it’s not a good idea to drive your Tacoma without a catalytic converter.
While it’s technically not unsafe to drive, it is a problem for the environment—and you’re likely to see a decline in your vehicle’s performance, from rough acceleration to roaring road noise. On top of that, if you live in a state that requires emissions testing, you won’t be able to pass (or renew your truck’s registration) until all catalytic converters are restored.
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