The catalytic converter saga continues as new Carfax data estimates that more than 137,000 converters were stolen in 2025, with thousands more already snatched this year.
For context: Thieves, of course, target the emission parts to snag the valuable precious metals contained inside: platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
Rhodium has more than doubled in value over the past year, reaching about $11,000 per ounce in March.
Some law enforcement agencies have reported a resurgence in thefts, according to Carfax.
The Sykesville Police Department in Maryland recently confirmed at least two drivers were victimized within weeks of the Carfax report's release.
The most targeted vehicles nationwide, per Carfax:
Ford F-150
Hyundai Tucson
Ford Explorer
Ram 2500
Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet Traverse
Ram 3500
Ford EcoSport
Ford Expedition
Chevrolet Trax
OUTSMART THE CAR MARKET IN 5 MINUTES A WEEK
Get insights trusted by 55,000+ car dealers. Free, fast, and built for automotive leaders.
What they're saying: Patrick Olsen, editor-in-chief at Carfax, said in a release that values for the stolen parts can range.
"Experts also tell us that while thieves can make anywhere from $25-$300 for a standard catalytic converter, converters from hybrid vehicles can sell for up to $1,400 because they have even more of those precious metals inside,” Olsen said.
Olsen also mentioned that the height of some of the vehicles on the list can make them targets, too, because of easy access to the converters.
Dan Sibinovic, owner of Crash Auto Parts, a salvage yard in Detroit, knows that all too well. One of his delivery trucks got ripped off when it was left out overnight at a buddy’s repair lot.
“These guys can just hit underneath, cut it, and they're gone,” Sibinovic said. (His thieves were caught, though, and the friend replaced the converters.)
Between the lines: Ryan Downing, CEO of Ross Downing Automotive Group, said his group lost about $15,000 worth of catalytic converters in a single incident sometime around 2023 or 2024.
Now, their dealerships are gated and have overnight security patrols.
"We probably spend more than the cost would be, but we try to just prevent damage and theft at the property, regardless of whether it's a car, building, or whatever it might be," Downing said.
Worth noting: Sibinovic said reputable scrap yards are required to verify ownership documentation and hold payment three to five days before cutting a check for a converter.
It’s a way to ensure the part is legitimate.
Not to mention, thieves won’t really want to sit around and wait on a check, Sibinovic said.
The takeaway: The Preventing Auto Recycling Thefts (PART) Act, introduced in July 2025, is still working its way through Congress.
It aims to curb said theft with new requirements that would include traceable ID numbers on converters, create a federal penalty for theft, and establish stricter record-keeping requirements for secondary market purchases.
Until then, dealers will need to continue battling at the ground level with tactics such as overnight lot security and staying mindful of the models most affected.
OUTSMART THE CAR MARKET IN 5 MINUTES A WEEK
Get insights trusted by 55,000+ car dealers. Free, fast, and built for automotive leaders.
A quick word from our partner
If you’re dealing with limited data visibility, outdated reports, or confusing spreadsheets, you need TARGIT BI.
Their end-to-end solution simplifies reporting by combining DMS, CRM, and all other data in one platform.
Whether you need PDF reports or AI-powered forecasts, TARGIT has you covered.
Right now, they’re offering exclusive access to a new KPI guide just for our readers.
Download your copy to start tracking the right numbers in sales, service, finance, and more.
