Toyota Highlander Catalytic Converter Theft (How Common Is It?)

The Toyota Highlander is a popular SUV that has been targeted by thieves for its catalytic converter.

The catalytic converter is an important part of a vehicle’s exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions.

However, it also contains precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which can be sold for a high price on the black market.

This has led to increased catalytic converter thefts across the country, with the Toyota Highlander being one of the most targeted vehicles.

Owners of Toyota Highlanders should be aware of this issue and take steps to prevent catalytic converter theft.

There are several measures that can be taken, such as installing a catalytic converter anti-theft device, etching the vehicle’s VIN on the converter, and parking in well-lit areas.

Some owners have also opted to install skid plates or shields to make it more difficult for thieves to access the catalytic converter.

However, it is important to note that these measures may not be foolproof and that prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath of a theft.

Is Toyota Highlander a Common Target for Catalytic Converter Thieves?

Catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise in recent years, and Toyota Highlander is one of the popular models that are targeted by thieves.

According to Carfax, the Highlander is one of the top ten most targeted vehicles for catalytic converter theft. The reasons for this are twofold.

Firstly, the Highlander has a moderately high ground clearance, which makes it easy for thieves to shimmy under and remove the catalytic converter.

Secondly, the Highlander has two and sometimes three catalytic converters, which makes it a more attractive target for thieves who can sell the precious metals inside the converters for a high price.

It’s not just the Highlander that is at risk, however. As Car and Driver report, there are several other vehicles that are also prone to catalytic converter theft.

These include the Toyota Prius, Honda Element, and Nissan NV200, among others.

While the Highlander is a common target for catalytic converter thieves, there are steps that owners can take to reduce the risk of theft. Installing a catalytic converter shield or cage can make it more difficult for thieves to access the converter.

Additionally, parking in well-lit areas or in a garage can deter thieves from targeting the vehicle.

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Why Are Toyota Highlander Cars Prone to Catalytic Converter Theft?

Toyota Highlander cars are prone to catalytic converter theft for a few reasons.

Firstly, the Highlander has a moderately high ground clearance, making it easy for thieves to shimmy underneath the car and cut out the catalytic converter quickly.

Secondly, the Highlander has two or three catalytic converters, which means thieves can get more money for their stolen goods.

Additionally, the Toyota Highlander is a popular SUV model, which means there are more of them on the road, making them more accessible to thieves.

The catalytic converters in the Highlander contain precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which can be sold for a high price on the black market.

Furthermore, the rise in popularity of hybrid vehicles has made them a prime target for catalytic converter theft.

Thieves are targeting hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Highlander because the catalytic converters in these cars contain a higher concentration of precious metals than those in non-hybrid cars.

How Many Catalytic Converters Does a Toyota Highlander Have?

Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV that has been in production since 2000. It has three generations, and each generation has different numbers of catalytic converters.

Generally, a Toyota Highlander has three catalytic converters, one on each side that is built into the exhaust manifolds and another one beneath it.

It is a crucial part of forming the emission system. The emitted gases are converted into harmless gases.

The catalytic converter is a valuable component that contains precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium.

Unfortunately, catalytic converter theft has been on the rise in recent years due to the high value of these metals.

Thieves can steal catalytic converters in just a few minutes, and the cost of replacement can be significant.

It is essential to take measures to protect your Toyota Highlander’s catalytic converter from theft.

One way to do this is by parking in well-lit areas or secure garages. You can also install a catalytic converter theft prevention device that makes it harder for thieves to remove the converter.

Some of these devices include protective shields, clamps, and alarms.

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How Can You Tell You Had Your Toyota Highlander Catalytic Converter Stolen?

Toyota Highlander catalytic converter theft is a growing problem in many areas. If you are a victim of this crime, you may not realize it immediately.

Here are some signs that your catalytic converter has been stolen:

• Your vehicle will be louder than usual. The catalytic converter is responsible for muffling the sound of your engine, so if it’s missing, you’ll notice a significant increase in noise.
• Your car will have a smellier and darker exhaust than usual. This is because the catalytic converter helps to reduce emissions, so without it, your car will produce more pollution.
• Your vehicle’s performance will be sluggish and sputtering. This is because the catalytic converter helps to regulate the flow of exhaust gases, so without it, your car’s engine will not run as smoothly.
• The check engine light will illuminate. This is because the catalytic converter is an important part of your car’s emissions system, and its absence will trigger a warning light.
• You may notice damage to your vehicle. Thieves will often cut the catalytic converter out of your car, leaving behind visible signs of damage.

If you suspect that your catalytic converter has been stolen, it’s important to have your car checked out immediately.

Driving with a missing catalytic converter is bad for your vehicle and the environment.

Contact your local law enforcement agency and insurance company to report the theft.

They may be able to help you recover your stolen property and provide assistance with repairs.

Can You Drive Toyota Highlander Without a Catalytic Converter?

It is possible to drive a Toyota Highlander without a catalytic converter, but it is not legal and can result in penalties and fines.

The catalytic converter is an essential part of the vehicle’s exhaust system that helps reduce emissions and pollutants that are harmful to the environment.

Without a catalytic converter, the Highlander will produce higher levels of harmful emissions and may not pass emissions tests required by the state or local authorities.

In addition, driving without a catalytic converter can result in decreased fuel efficiency and performance issues.

While it may be tempting to remove the catalytic converter to prevent theft, it is not recommended.

Instead, there are several steps Toyota Highlander owners can take to protect their catalytic converter from theft, such as installing a catalytic converter shield or parking in well-lit areas.

According to Toyota Nation Forum, the 2021 Highlander Hybrid’s catalytic converter is not as vulnerable as the Prius’s and is better protected.

However, it is still important to take precautions to prevent theft.

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How Can You Prevent Toyota Highlander Catalytic Converter Theft?

Toyota Highlander owners can take several steps to prevent catalytic converter theft. Here are some tips:

• Park in well-lit areas: Thieves are less likely to target a vehicle parked in a well-lit area with high foot traffic.
• Install a catalytic converter anti-theft device: These devices are available from various manufacturers and range from steel plates protecting the underside of the vehicle to cages made from heavy-duty metal.
• Etch the VIN number: Etching the VIN number on the catalytic converter makes it harder for thieves to sell the stolen part.
• Use security cameras: Installing security cameras near where the vehicle is parked can help deter thieves and provide evidence in case of a theft.
• Get comprehensive insurance: Comprehensive insurance covers theft, so it’s important to have this type of coverage to protect against catalytic converter theft.

By taking these steps, Toyota Highlander owners can reduce the risk of catalytic converter theft and protect their vehicles.

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What Toyotas Are Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft?

Catalytic converter theft has become a widespread problem, and Toyota vehicles are some of the most targeted.

Thieves are after the precious metals found inside catalytic converters, such as palladium, rhodium, and platinum, which can be sold for a significant profit.

According to Torque News, the Toyota Tundra is statistically the most likely Toyota vehicle to be targeted for catalytic converter theft.

The Tundra is a popular target due to its high ground clearance, which makes it easier for thieves to access the catalytic converter.

Other Toyota models that are frequently targeted include the Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius, and Toyota Tacoma.

However, it’s important to note that any Toyota vehicle can be a target for catalytic converter theft.

Thieves are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to steal catalytic converters, and they may target any vehicle that they believe will be an easy target.

Owners of Toyota vehicles should take precautions to protect their catalytic converters from theft.

This may include parking in well-lit areas, installing a catalytic converter theft prevention device, or etching the vehicle’s VIN number onto the catalytic converter to make it easier to track if it is stolen.