Catalytic converter theft has become a growing problem in recent years, and Toyota FJ Cruiser owners are not immune to this crime.
Thieves target catalytic converters on the FJ Cruiser because of its high ground clearance and the fact that they contain valuable metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which can be sold for a high price on the black market. If the catalytic converter is stolen from a Toyota FJ Cruiser, it can result in costly repairs.
According to RepairPal.com, the average cost to replace a a catalytic converter on a Toyota FJ Cruiser is $2581 to $2603. If your catalytic converter has already been stolen, consider following these steps if you have not already.
About the Toyota FJ Cruiser
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a compact SUV that was produced by Toyota from 2006 to 2014. It was designed to be a modern interpretation of the classic Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser, which was a popular off-road vehicle in the 1960s and 1970s.
The FJ Cruiser was originally unveiled as a concept car at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and Toyota decided to put the FJ Cruiser into production. The first model was introduced in 2006 and was based on the Toyota 4Runner platform.
High ground clearance makes the FJ Cruiser an easy target for catalytic converter thieves
The FJ Cruiser was designed to be a capable off-road vehicle, and it features a number of features that make it well-suited for off-road driving. It has a high ground clearance of 9.6 inches, which allows it to navigate over rough terrain without getting hung up on obstacles. This high ground clearance adds to the ease at which its catalytic converter can be stolen.
Easy access to the underside of the vehicle makes for fast catalytic converter removal by thieves. Just a quick cut, with a battery powered Sawzall which takes under a minute and the thieves are gone.
Despite its popularity among off-road enthusiasts, Toyota decided to discontinue the FJ Cruiser in 2014 due to declining sales.
However, the FJ Cruiser remains a beloved vehicle among fans, and its unique design and off-road capabilities make it a standout in the crowded SUV market.
How to protect your FJ Cruiser from catalytic converter theft
The best way to protect your FJ Cruiser from catalytic theft is to secure it inside a garage when not in use. However, this is not reasonable because we often use our vehicles to run errands, go to work, or travel.
Parking your vehicle in well-lit, busy areas can help, but one of the most common places that catalytic converter theft occurs is in large parking lots.
Malls, shopping plazas, and employer parking lots are often targeted in broad daylight because thieves can target several vehicles at once as well as find the most popular vehicles for catalytic converter theft. Since Toyota’s are frequently targeted, due to their high-efficiency emissions protection converters, parking lots are attractive to thieves.
Catalytic converter theft is so quick, those passing by may not even recognize the theft is happening. They may think someone is just working on a broken down car.
After all, who would be out here stealing in broad daylight in a busy lot?
While insurance may cover catalytic converter theft, deductibles and insurance claims can be time consuming and a hassle. Losing your catalytic converter to theft may also put your vehicle out of commission for several days or even weeks as new parts are ordered.
Install a catalytic converter theft shield
One of the best deterrents for catalytic converter theft is to install a catalytic converter theft shield (or cover) on your FJ Cruiser. Catshield, a company who makes catalytic converter shields for the most commonly targeted vehicles, makes one for the FJ Cruiser. This is great news for those who want an extra level of protection for their vehicle.
Toyota FJ Cruiser Catalytic Converter Shield
There are two versions available. A heavy duty Aluminum version and a stainless steel option.
Package includes Cat Shield, installation hardware, tamper-proof screw kit, Cat Shield Protected sticker, and detailed installation guide.
A 12mm socket and 1/4 bit driver and protective eyewear is required to install, and not included.
Etch and Paint your catalytic converter
Etching your VIN number on your catalytic converter and painting it with high temperature engine paint can help deter theft, it may not be as effective as adding a catalytic converter cover to your vehicle. Etching and painting may make the catalytic converter harder to resale on the black market, or convert to cash at a precious metals recycler or junk yard.
Etching and painting has been shown to be effective with the common street criminals, but more organized theft rings may not be deterred by it.
