If you are reading this post, it’s likely that you our someone you know are a victim of a catalytic converter theft. Although catalytic converters have been targeted by thieves for many years, there has been a dramatic uptick nationwide over the last few years.
Unfortunately, many catalytic converters now cost more than ever before. To make matters worse, some original factory converters (OEM) are backordered for up to eight months. I said that right. As of May 2023, the backorder for a 2015 Toyota Prius catalytic converter is 8 months. According to our local supplier, there is a nationwide backorder of 22,000 Prius catalytic converters. Only about 125 replacement converters are being delivered to the market daily.
Historically a Toyota factory converter would be more expensive compared to an aftermarket converter option. But due to the OEM unavailability and high demand due to theft, aftermarket converters can now cost 2-3x as much compared to a factory converter.
To make things even more complex, most insured motorists have rental car coverage that lasts only 30 days. We have one customer currently storing her catalytic converter missing Prius in her garage. She is waiting for us to receive the Toyota replacement.
Another customer, with a 2011 Toyota Prius, opted for an aftermarket converter due to part availability. Unfortunately, the available aftermarket part cost significantly more money. We found that do to the unique design of the exhaust systems of some models of Prius, installation can be more complex (using an approved aftermarket converter) depending on where the thief decided to cut the original exhaust. So, based on our experience, we would much prefer to use the Toyota factory catalytic converter.
So what can a Prius owner do to protect their vehicle from converter theft?
Our previous recommendation was to garage your vehicle and to be thoughtful about where you park and store your vehicle during the day. Unfortunately, thieves have become so brazen, your vehicle isn’t truly safe anywhere in public. The best option we’ve found is installing a catalytic converter shield.
Your best option is to install a Catalytic Converter Shield.
We install two different brands converter shields. The one pictured on the left is a CAT SHIELD manufactured by MILLERCAT. For Toyota Prius models, I believe these stainless steel MILLERCAT shields are a superior product.
MILLERCAT offers this shield in aluminum and 304 stainless steel. The stainless steel version costs $60 more than the aluminum.
CAT SECURITY is another company the offers these shields. I believe CAT SECURITY only offers their shields in aluminum. I actually installed a CAT SECURITY shield on my 2019 Toyota Tacoma after I had my converters stolen in 2022.
Help! These companies don’t offer a shield for my specific vehicle.
CatClamp® is a universal cable system that is available for most vehicles. CatSecurity and MILLERCAT only offer shields for specific vehicles. If a shield isn’t available for your specific vehicle, a CatClamp® may be a good option. Prior to the shields hitting the market, we installed dozens of CatClamps® successfully.
If you are interested in having us install one of the above options, feel free to email us or give us a call: 714-596-1019. We generally don’t have an inventory of these shields, so we recommend our customers to provide the shield.
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