Prius Catalytic Converter Theft Tips

How to prevent catalytic converter theft on a Toyota Prius

If you are a Toyota Prius owner, you likely love your car. Unfortunately, so do catalytic converter thieves. Because of this, the Toyota Prius is the #1 vehicle targeted for catalytic converter theft in the United States according to insurance companies and law enforcement agencies.

And due to skyrocketing metal prices and supply chain issues, Prius catalytic converter theft is way up, especially in the past few years.

Thieves steal catalytic converters by cutting them off the vehicle’s exhaust system of the car’s undercarriage. Most thefts occur in under 2-3 minutes.

In this article, we show you how to protect your Prius from catalytic converter theft.

Why is the Toyota Prius a primary target for catalytic converter thefts?

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, theft of catalytic converters has risen significantly over the past few years.

The Toyota Prius is targeted due to the fact that the Prius is an ultra-low emissions vehicle. Other hybrid vehicles are often targeted, but the Prius still tops the list.

The catalytic converter is a key part of a car’s exhaust system. Its purpose is to take harmful gases like carbon monoxide and other harmful emissions and convert them into carbon dioxide and water vapor which are more environment-friendly.

Stolen catalytic converters contain precious metals like rhodium, platinum, and palladium which makes them highly desirable to thieves. Catalytic converters then get sold for cash at scrapyards, junkyards, and metal recyclers.

According to Forbes, “the recent scrap price for a catalytic converter used in the 2004-09 second-generation Prius 1.5 was $1,022, according to AutoCatalystMarket.com. In comparison, the converter used in General Motors models like the Chevrolet Impala and Pontiac Grand Am from 1999-2006 was valued at $269, and one used in the 2007 Ford F-150 FX4 was priced at $143.

Which Prius models are most likely to have their catalytic converters stolen?

Answer: Generation 2 (Gen 2) Prius models 2004-2009 but every Toyota Prius is at high risk for catalytic converter thefts.

According to the  Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2004 – 09 Prius theft claim frequency was 58.1 claims per 1,000 insured vehicles. This is due to the fact that the catalytic converter is more easily accessible in these models compared to the newer Prius, and can easily be cut out with an angle grinder or Sawzall. Thieves simply jack the car up so they can access the Prius undercarriage, and within 60-90 seconds they have what they came for.

And, if you have been a victim of catalytic converter theft once, you are often retargeted a few weeks or months later because they know you most likely had it replaced.

In later Prius models, they recessed the catalytic converter into the undercarriage a little more, but a determined thief could still access it with some additional work. They also started etching the vehicle identification number in an inconspicuous spot in the hopes that it would be harder to resale the catalytic converter for cash. Most thieves will simply sand it off or sell it to scrapyards who don’t care or fail to ask for identification.

Toyota Prius catalytic converter replacement cost

Many Prius owners aren’t aware of the potential financial hit they may take when they become a victim.

Average replacement cost + labor

The average cost to replace a stolen catalytic converter on a Toyota Prius depends on your specific model year and location.

According to repairpal.com, the average replacement cost for a new catalytic converter on a Toyota Prius is between $2,138 and $2,163.

Depending on where the catalytic converter is cut, additional damage to the vehicle may occur. For example, the oxygen sensors are often damaged or stolen with the cat converter due to their proximity to it.

Our own research shows that total out-the-door costs can go upwards of $3000 or more depending on the state and catalytic converter model. This is especially true in states that have CARB-compliant emissions standards such as California for which the standard was named.

Can you install an aftermarket catalytic converter on a Toyota Prius

It is possible to find generic aftermarket catalytic converters or OEM-compliant aftermarket converters for the Toyota Prius at a lower cost than the original manufacturer/dealer parts and at a much cheaper cost.

In most states installing a generic aftermarket catalytic converter is still legal. Amazon sells several aftermarket catalytic converters for the 2004-2009 Prius model years. But before you think about getting an aftermarket catalytic converter you should check your state’s requirements or your local muffler shop.

If you live in California, before installing an aftermarket catalytic converter, be sure to check the Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Database to see if your aftermarket catalytic converter will pass a smog check. Inspectors must physically check the catalytic converter and match it against the approved list.

Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft on a Toyota Prius?

Car insurance companies may or may not cover catalytic converter theft, which you can read more about here. Your car insurance policy is more likely to cover it if you carry comprehensive insurance. But check with your insurance company or agent to be sure and to verify any deductibles.

How to protect your Toyota Prius from catalytic converter thefts

You can’t fully eliminate the possibility of catalytic converter theft, but you can take steps to prevent it. Besides using deterrents like security cameras and video surveillance or a car alarm, you should park your car in well-lit areas. If you have the option to park your vehicle in a garage that is ideal.

If these are not readily available options or if you want to deter thieves further, consider installing theft prevention or anti-theft devices like a catalytic converter protection shield to your Prius. Many Prius owners have reported that they have helped protect their cars.

You may be thinking about fabricating your own catalytic converter shield or cage to try and secure your catalytic converter. Common materials include using stainless steel cables attached to the car’s frames or even welding a steel cage around your car’s catalytic converter to the car’s frame. However, this could be a bad idea and may void any vehicle warranties if you don’t know what you are doing. You could damage your car further.

If you have the ability to install a Ring camera, you may deter theft, but using catalytic converter protections shields is another option since most thieves will ignore, or not see the cameras. Using both is best.

Custom catalytic converter protection shields for Toyota Prius

There are two primary manufacturers that provide catalytic converter protection shields. MillerCAT Corp and Cat Security. Both provide outstanding products to protect your Prius.

MillerCAT Corp is a U.S.-based company that provides carb-compliant aftermarket catalytic converters as well as the Cat Shield, their line of catalytic converter shields.

Cat Security is a U.S. company that manufactures protection shields specifically for the Toyota Prius and a few other models.

Both companies make an anti-theft device that is made of either custom-shaped aluminum(Cat Security, MillerCAT) and/or 304 stainless steel (MillerCAT). All their shields are designed to fit over your catalytic converter and are custom-fitted to your Prius.

They utilize several factory mounting points to attach the shield to your Prius.

While you can’t guarantee your catalytic converter won’t be stolen, you can drastically reduce the chances that thieves will take yours because most thieves will simply see the protective cover and move on to another car that won’t require as much cutting to remove.

Besides the custom fit, these covers have built-in venting to allow for proper heat ventilation and don’t require any welding to install.

MillerCAT catalytic converter protection shields

The MillerCAT catalytic converter protection shield is very high quality. It comes in either aluminum or 304 stainless steel for added protection.

This stainless steel Prius – Gen 2 cat shield is the most advanced and strongest defense for your Gen 2 catalytic converters.
Made completely from 304 stainless steel, it protects the front and rear converters and comes with a deadbolt and rear bracket.
No more drilling into the frame of the vehicle to secure your shield.
CNC machined louver vents provide efficient cooling, visibility for smog techs to read the converter part number, and protects the vehicle from debris.

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Don’t own a Prius? You can search for a catalytic converter shield for your car here.

How to install a MillerCAT protection shield on a Toyota Prius

Cat Security protection shields

Note: You will need a Hand Riveter tool if you try to install these yourself. It is best to seek out assistance from a qualified, independent mechanic to properly install these shields.

2004-2009 Toyota Prius Catalytic Converter Protection Shield
8.7/10 Our Score

This protection shield is custom-fitted for your 2004 to 2009 Toyota Prius. The kit includes a robust aluminum plate that, once installed, provides a strong barrier against catalytic converter theft. Also included is the custom security hardware to mount the shield.

Top 5 Reasons To Purchase Cat Security
1. Save on the potential loss of time and money (insurance claims and vehicle downtime)
2. Put your mind at ease (sleep well at night knowing your car is protected)
3. Help put thieves out of business (stand up for a good cause)
4. Improved underbody aerodynamics (may help improve fuel mileage)
5. No rattling with properly installed.

Antitheftguys.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission..
2010-2015 Toyota Prius Catalytic Converter Protection Shield
8.7/10 Our Score

This protection shield is custom-fitted for your 2010 to 2015 Toyota Prius. The kit includes a robust aluminum plate that, once installed, provides a strong barrier against catalytic converter theft. Also included is the custom security hardware to mount the shield.

Top 5 Reasons To Purchase Cat Security
1. Save on the potential loss of time and money (insurance claims and vehicle downtime)
2. Put your mind at ease (sleep well at night knowing your car is protected)
3. Help put thieves out of business (stand up for a good cause)
4. Improved underbody aerodynamics (may help improve fuel mileage)
5. No rattling with properly installed.

Antitheftguys.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission..
2016-2021 Toyota Prius Catalytic Converter Protection Shield
8.7/10 Our Score

This protection shield is custom-fitted for your 2016 to 2021 Toyota Prius. The kit includes a robust aluminum plate that, once installed, provides a strong barrier against catalytic converter theft. Also included is the custom security hardware to mount the shield.

Top 5 Reasons To Purchase Cat Security
1. Save on the potential loss of time and money (insurance claims and vehicle downtime)
2. Put your mind at ease (sleep well at night knowing your car is protected)
3. Help put thieves out of business (stand up for a good cause)
4. Improved underbody aerodynamics (may help improve fuel mileage)
5. No rattling with properly installed.

Antitheftguys.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission..

How to install a Cat Security Shield on your Toyota Prius

The following videos we found on YouTube show the installation process on a 2013 Prius V. You can see what is involved and you can decide whether or not you want to install the Cat Shield yourself, or seek out a mechanic or muffler shop.

Note: Your kit and model may differ slightly, but the process is nearly the same. The biggest difference is the shape of the shield and the number of attachment points.

Video 1: What’s in the box

Video 2: Installation part one (front shield)

Video 3: Installation part two (rear shield)