Car theft is never a fun experience. However, that doesn’t just include someone stealing your entire car. Whether folks are breaking into your car and stealing your valuable goods or removing valuable components, it’s an unfortunate circumstance to run into.

Unfortunately, a car’s catalytic converter is one of the most targeted components for thieves because of the precious metals found inside. Some cars are more targeted than others. So, if you own any of the five following cars, you should take extra precautions to ensure your car is protected!

1999–2022 Chevrolet Silverado

Surprisingly, as much as the Toyota Prius is renowned for its high-priority target status for catalytic converter thieves, Car and Driver says there are vehicles they target even more. According to the list, the fifth most targeted vehicle is the Chevrolet Silverado.

The Silverado’s use of V8 engines means it requires some pretty efficient catalytic converters. Couple that with the truck’s ground clearance, and you’ve got a reasonably easy-to-access catalytic converter. Unfortunately, that means it’s also easy to steal.

1990–2022 Ford Econoline/E-Series

Once again, one of the most targeted vehicles for catalytic converter thieves is one you wouldn’t really expect. However, it makes a lot of sense when you really think about it.

There are hundreds of thousands of Econoline vans on the roads today. Virtually endless amounts of companies rely on them every day for trustworthy workhorses. So, there’s no shortage of them available to thieves. Additionally, many are work vehicles and don’t go home with their owners, which leaves them vulnerable to thieves.

2007–2017 Jeep Patriot

The little Jeep that couldn’t, the Jeep Patriot, wasn’t spectacularly popular among critics or off-road enthusiasts. This is due to the fact that Jeep only manufactured them with a not-so-potent little four-cylinder engine that proved not quite spicy enough for the platform.

At any rate, C&D places them third overall for the most attractive vehicles for catalytic converter thieves. Hey, at least someone likes them.

1989–2022 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is yet another entrant that likely makes the list because of the sheer volume of the model on public roadways.

Obviously, cat thieves target whatever is easiest to take efficiently. So, the list containing trucks and SUVs makes a lot of sense due to their ground clearance. However, the Accord is one of the best-selling mid-size sedans in the world. So, there’s a plentiful supply of Accord targets for thieves to set sights on.

1985–2022 Ford F-series

Unsurprisingly, America’s best-selling pickup truck is the most plagued with catalytic converter thefts.

Again, this breaks down to the massive amount of F-series models and the adequate ground clearance, giving thieves relatively easy access to the cats. Like the vans, too, many F-series trucks are work vehicles and don’t go home with their owners, which makes for a much easier target for thieves.

If you own one of these vehicles, do your best to protect it!

Obviously, nobody wants to wake up to find that something from their vehicle has been stolen. However, a stolen cat can be more devastating than many things.

Typically, catalytic converter thieves cut the exhaust surrounding the cat. So, not only will you be stuck buying a new one, but you’ll also be paying an exhaust shop to weld new flanges and exhaust components in to restore its proper functionality. Worse yet, you may have to buy most or all of a new exhaust system for a proper fit.

So, if you own one of the five above vehicles, be sure you do your best to park it inside or at least in a location that makes cutting and stealing your catalytic converter a difficult process. Keep scrolling to read about anti-theft parking techniques!