All fossil fuel-powered vehicles these days are equipped with a catalytic converter. As part of the exhaust emission system, this device helps turn noxious substances into less harmful ones, reducing the negative impact of fuel-powered vehicles on the environment.
To do that, catalytic converters contain precious metals, which are sadly a common target for thieves. In addition, some car brands and models have more valuable catalytic converters, making them top targets.
But what about one of the most common brands, Volkswagen?
Are Volkswagen Catalytic Converters Easy To Steal?
In general, Volkswagen vehicles aren’t very common targets for catalytic converter theft due to the location of this device. The catalytic converter on a Volkswagen tends to be located close to the engine rather than at the end of the exhaust system. This makes it harder for thieves to reach the catalytic converter, lowering the theft risk.
Still, all vehicles that have catalytic converters can become targets. So, even though Volkswagen cars aren’t most commonly targeted, it’s a good idea to take some safety measures anyway.
Why are Volkswagen catalytic converters hard to steal?
The catalytic converter on a Volkswagen vehicle is much harder to steal since it’s located much deeper in the vehicle. It’s close to the engine, rather than the end of the exhaust emission system, which is hard to reach.
Most Volkswagen models are also rather low to the ground as compared with other vehicles. This means that there’s not too much space for thieves to slide underneath the vehicle and remove the catalytic converter.
This is also why Volkswagen cars aren’t common targets for catalytic converter thieves.
Do all Volkswagen vehicles have catalytic converters?
Most Volkswagen vehicles are powered by fossil fuels. This means that there’s internal combustion happening in the engine.
During internal combustion, many toxic substances are produced, which need to be converted into less harmful ones.
And that’s why these vehicles need a catalytic converter.
Volkswagen also makes hybrid vehicles, which rely on fossil fuels and electricity. These vehicles also have catalytic converters, often more valuable ones than those in fuel-powered cars.
One such Volkswagen model is the Touareg Hybrid. Those who own a Volkswagen hybrid are at a higher risk of catalytic converter theft.
The only automobile vehicles that don’t have catalytic converters are all-electric cars. Volkswagen has a fully electric model, the ID.4.
So, this Volkswagen car doesn’t have a catalytic converter, so it’s completely immune to theft.
Where is the catalytic converter located on a Volkswagen vehicle?
The location of the catalytic converter on a Volkswagen is the top reason why cars from this brand aren’t popular targets for catalytic converter thieves.
The catalytic converter on a Volkswagen is located near the engine and not close to the end of the exhaust system like in many other cars.
Stealing the catalytic converter from this location is a much harder task. So, it often doesn’t pay off for thieves to choose Volkswagen vehicles as their targets.
Which Volkswagen model is more likely to have its catalytic converter stolen?
Generally, all Volkswagen models are low on the list of vehicles that are commonly targeted by catalytic converter thieves. Still, theft happens, and it usually affects specific models and vehicles.
Firstly, the catalytic converter in a hybrid contains a higher concentration of precious metals and a lower concentration of cheaper metals. As a result, hybrids are very commonly targeted.
So, Volkswagen models like the Touareg Hybrid can be a potential target.
To remove the catalytic converter, thieves need some room, especially since the Volkswagen catalytic converter is deeper in the engine than in other cars.
Because of that, SUVs and larger cars that are higher off the ground give thieves more room to work and steal the catalytic converter.
This means that the Taos, Tiguan, Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas can all become targets.
Can you drive a Volkswagen without the catalytic converter?
Driving a car without a catalytic converter is possible but not recommended.
The catalytic converter is a crucial component of the exhaust emission system. Without it, your car will make loud noises as it starts and have an overall worse performance.
What’s more, driving without a catalytic converter is illegal in some regions of the world; in fact, it’s considered a criminal offense, and you can be heavily fined.
That’s why it’s important to do whatever possible to avoid having your catalytic converter stolen. And if it sadly happens, be sure to replace it as soon as possible.
How can you lower your risk of Volkswagen catalytic converter theft?
Now that we’ve established that Volkswagen vehicles aren’t common targets for catalytic converter thieves, you may be wondering if you should take any precautions to lower your risk of theft even more.
While Volkswagen cars aren’t commonly targeted, theft has still been reported. So, it might be a good idea to take some safety measures to avoid spending a lot of money replacing the catalytic converter.
The most obvious way to avoid theft is to park your car in a private garage next to your house or in a private garage structure that doesn’t allow unauthorized entry.
This not only lowers your risk of catalytic converter theft but also of car theft in general.
Some people also choose to invest in an anti-theft device installed directly to the catalytic converter. This type of device can be installed in any kind of catalytic converter, even the one that’s closer to the engine and deeper in the vehicle.
Although Volkswagen vehicles aren’t top targets for thieves, it’s still better to be safe than sorry.
Conclusion
Fortunately for all Volkswagen owners, these vehicles aren’t very common targets for catalytic converter thieves. All Volkswagen models have catalytic converters located close to the engine rather than at the end of the exhaust system.
This location makes it hard for thieves to remove and steal the catalytic converter.
Still, theft does happen sometimes. So, it’s a good idea to park in well-lit, private areas in order to lower your risk of theft.
Sources: Volkswagen Official, CRS Reports, Research Gate, and Taylor & Francis Online
Jack is the owner, chief editor, and senior writer of this website.
Machinery, engines, and farming have always been a passion of his since he was a young boy. Growing up on a small farm in rural America, he learned the value of hard work and dedication from an early age.
After completing his degree in Engineering, he decided to follow his dream and became a farmer in 2009.
Since then, he has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field. He has grown a variety of crops, tended to farm animals, and worked with all sorts of farming machinery. Continue reading…
