Volvo XC90 Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Tips

If you’re behind the wheel of a Volvo XC90, learn the best tips and tricks to prevent catalytic converter theft.
Written by Andrea Barrett
Reviewed by Hillary Kobayashi
Investing in a catalytic converter anti-theft shield, parking in a secure and well-lit area, and purchasing
comprehensive insurance
coverage are simple ways to prevent your Volvo XC90’s catalytic converter from being stolen.   
Theft rates ebb and flow throughout the country, but there seems to be one type of theft that’s steadily increasing: catalytic converter theft. Catalytic converter theft rates increased a staggering 326% in 2020 and another 353% in 2021, meaning that if you own a vehicle with a catalytic converter—or at least an easily accessible one—you’ll want to keep an eye out for thieves. 
If you own a Volvo XC90 and you aren’t keen on having your catalytic converter stolen, you’re in the right place! We’re giving you a detailed guide to the CX90’s catalytic converters, including how common theft is, how to prevent yours from being stolen, and the type of
car insurance
you need to protect yours.

Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Volvo XC90?

While Volvos aren’t the most popular
cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves
, you still have to be on the lookout if you drive an SUV. The thing about the Volvo XC90 is that,  depending on your powertrain, you could have two or four catalytic converters
For V8 engines, you’ll find four catalytic converters located both in the engine compartment and on the vehicle's underside
Access can be difficult for cats in the engine bay, but with the XC90’s ground clearance of 9.2 inches and a larger engine, sliding under the vehicle doesn’t pose much difficulty for thieves. 
Plus, larger cars tend to have more valuable catalytic converters. And with newer XC90s offered in a hybrid powertrain, it’s even more of a draw for thieves, as they are more valuable. 
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Why are Volvo XC90 catalytic converters stolen?

It’s not so much about the part as it is about what it’s made of—catalytic converters contain precious (and very expensive) metalsrhodium, palladium, and platinum—that can fetch top-dollar on the black market. And because the price of these metals has steadily increased over the years, stealing catalytic converters and selling them is an easy (and illegal) way to make some extra cash.
All gas and diesel-powered vehicles must have a catalytic converter—a small part, usually located in the engine bay or on the underside of the vehicle near the muffler. It’s responsible for reducing toxic emissions from your car’s exhaust system. Whether you drive an XC90 or another make or model, catalytic converters are a big deal for thieves.
As of January 2022, here’s what each of the metals in your CX90’s catalytic converter is worth: 
  • Platinum: $1,069 per ounce 
  • Palladium: $1,630 per ounce 
  • Rhodium: $12,250 per ounce 
While your cat may not contain an ounce of each metal, it could still fetch a pretty penny.   

Volvo CX90 catalytic converter replacement cost

On average, replacing a catalytic converter for a Volvo XC90 costs between $2,153 and $2,225. If you can find an aftermarket catalytic converter, you may find a cheaper rate (and if you can get a labor discount), but cats, especially for larger vehicles, don’t come cheap. 

How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Volvo XC90

Whether you drive a 2023 Volvo XC90 or an older model, at least one of your catalytic converters is probably accessible to thieves, which puts you at risk. But if you know how to protect your vehicle, it’s easy to prevent it from being stolen. 
Here are some tips to keep your XC90’s catalytic converter where it’s meant to be.  

Park in a secure area

One of the easiest ways to prevent thieves from accessing the catalytic converter on your Volvo XC90 is to park in a secure location, ideally one with video surveillance. If you have a home garage or access to an underground parking facility, use it! 
If you can’t park in a secure location, consider buying an outdoor surveillance system or motion sensor floodlights for your driveway. Cat burglars don’t want to be seen, so video footage and light can be a good deterrent to keep them away.

Invest in an anti-theft device

Because at least one catalytic converter on a Volvo XC90 is easily accessible to thieves, you may need to think outside the box to protect it—and that’s where anti-theft shields or devices come in handy. 
Although you likely won’t find a Cat Shield™ from MILLERCAT (Volvos aren’t popular targets), you may be able to find an aftermarket part on Amazon or another website. These products usually cost a couple of hundred dollars, but they’re still cheaper than replacing the actual part. 
Alternatively, you can try contacting your local muffler shop to ask if they can make a custom-welded device for your XC90.
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Put your VIN on the catalytic converter

Another simple way to stop thieves from taking your catalytic converter is by etching your VIN onto it. Although it may not stop them from trying to take it, a catalytic converter with the VIN scratched on it can’t be sold on the black market, so stealing them becomes virtually pointless. 
If you don’t want to take it to a local shop, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) regularly holds catalytic converter etching events, so if you can find one in your area, it’s an easy way to add some protection to your cat.

Invest in comprehensive insurance coverage

Last but not least, we get to the backup plan!
Comprehensive coverage
can help cover your cat if it goes missing. This coverage won’t prevent thieves from taking your Volvo’s catalytic converter (shucks), but it does help cover the costs of replacing your catalytic converter if it’s stolen—and the cost of repairs for any damage during its removal.  
If you only stick to the
minimum car insurance requirements in your state
and purchase
liability coverage
, comprehensive coverage will not be included and you won’t be able to submit a claim if your catalytic converter is stolen, meaning all of the replacement and repair costs will come out of your pocket. Comprehensive coverage is an additional coverage you will need to ask your insurance provider about. 

What to do if your Volvo XC90’s catalytic converter is stolen

If you’ve started your Volvo only to hear a roar from the back, it’s possible that your catalytic converter has been stolen. But before you panic, take a deep breath and follow these steps:
  1. First, don’t drive your vehicle! Instead, pick up your phone and call
    roadside assistance
    or your local repair shop. Driving without a catalytic converter isn’t inherently dangerous to you or your car, but you risk further damage to the rest of your vehicle’s exhaust system if the catalytic converter wasn’t removed properly and parts aren’t secure. 
  2. Report it to the authorities. Regardless of where your vehicle was parked when the incident took place, call your local police department and report the theft. If there’s no video surveillance, they might not be able to do anything, but it’s still recommended to file a police report—and you’ll probably need it when you make a claim with your insurance provider. Also, be sure to document the theft and any damage with photos. 
  3. Once you’ve completed the steps above, it’s time to contact your insurance agent to
    file a car insurance claim
    —that is, only if you have comprehensive coverage. If your claim is approved, your insurance provider will cover the replacement costs for a new catalytic converter and the repair costs if your vehicle was damaged during the removal process. However, you’ll have to pay your
    car insurance deductible
    before any costs are paid out by your insurer.
If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, repair and replacement costs for your XC90’s catalytic converter will come from your wallet. If you want to save a few bucks, you can look for an aftermarket catalytic converter—they’re generally cheaper and aren’t as attractive to thieves. Also, consider investing in comprehensive coverage so, on the off chance it happens again, you’ll be covered! 

Can you drive a Volvo XC90 without a catalytic converter?

Yes—driving your Volvo XC90 without a catalytic converter is safe, but it’s not recommended and isn’t a long-term solution. The catalytic converter is an important component of your vehicle’s exhaust system only, not the normal operation of the car. So, driving without one won’t harm the car. That said, if your cat is missing, there will be some tell-tale signs:
You’ll need to keep in mind that you won’t be able to pass your state’s emissions testing without a cat. This might prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration. So, if your catalytic converter has been stolen, it’s important to get a replacement ASAP! 
MORE: How to pass emissions testing
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FAQs

Yes—depending on the model and model year of the XC90, it can have up to four catalytic converters either in the engine bay or underneath the vehicle near the muffler.
If you see someone trying to steal the catalytic converter from your XC90, don’t take matters into your own hands—call the police immediately and report the incident. Investing in a catalytic converter anti-theft shield, video surveillance, and motion-activated lights can help deter thieves, but it may not prevent them.
You might not be able to tell if your catalytic converter was stolen by looking at your Volvo, but you will as soon as you start the engine. If you suspect your cat has been stolen, watch out for these signs:
  • A roaring noise when you start the engine that gets louder when accelerating
  • Increase in exhaust fumes or
    strange exhaust smells
  • Missing parts under the car
  • Uneven or sputtering acceleration from a lack of exhaust regulation
  • Check engine light appears on your dashboard
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