These Cars Most Likely to Have Catalytic Converters Stolen in NJ

We've been hearing the news about catalytic converters being stolen like it's the lawless Wild West. Personally, I blame not only the thieves who saw off people's converters to cash in on the precious metals they contain but also the unscrupulous scrap yards who buy them.

When a guy shows up with 17 catalytic converters all sawed through, it's obvious that they're stolen.

Some lawmakers in New Jersey are proposing legislation to stop it like needing to show proof of vehicle ownership at a scrapyard, for example.

The problem has gotten so out of hand that a huge federal bust of a converter theft ring was announced just last month and the money was staggering -- over $500 million.

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Thieves can get anywhere from $300 to $1,500 for just one catalytic converter.

So which cars in New Jersey are most likely to be hit? According to an article on Carfax.com  the following list covers the Northeast. (They didn't have a narrower category of Mid-Atlantic.)

Cars Most Likely to Have Their Catalytic Converters Stolen in the Northeast, as cited by Carfax:

1985-2021 Ford F-Series

1987-2019 Toyota Camry

1989-2020 Honda Accord

2007-17 Jeep Patriot

1997-2020 Honda CR-V

1998-2020 Subaru Forester

2007-20 Subaru Outback

1990-2022 Ford Econoline

1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado

1993-2020 Nissan Altima

That list largely but not perfectly mirrors the nationwide list which follows.

Cars Most Likely to Have Their Catalytic Converters Stolen Nationwide:

1985-2021 Ford F-Series

1989-2020 Honda Accord

2007-17 Jeep Patriot

1990-2022 Ford Econoline

1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado

2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox

1997-2020 Honda CR-V

1987-2019 Toyota Camry

2011-17 Chrysler 200

2001-21 Toyota Prius

If your car isn't on this list don't rest easy. Anyone is vulnerable.

Experts say there are things you can do to make it less likely to be a victim. One is having your VIN or other identifying information etched into the catalytic converter that might make thieves think twice.

Personally, if scrapyards are going to be complicit and turn a blind eye it may only do so much good. But another suggestion is to pay to add a cage or other device around the catalytic converter that might slow the thief down long enough to make him move on to another car.