These 3 Cars Are the Most Vulnerable for Catalytic Converter Theft in 2026

Precious Metals Bring Out the Criminals

Catalytic converter thefts may not dominate headlines the way they did a few years ago, but it remains a costly and frustrating crime for vehicle owners. Back in 2022, when thefts peaked due to the pandemic, thieves removed the catalytic converter from my wife's 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe when we were out of town on vacation. It's a crime that occurs all over the country to all kinds of models, but some are more prone to theft than others. While law enforcement crackdowns and stricter regulations on scrap metal sales have helped reduce incidents in some areas, thieves continue to target vehicles that offer easy access to valuable catalytic converters.

Catalytic converters contain precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which can be sold for hundreds of dollars on the black market. Some vehicles are particularly attractive targets because their converters are easy to reach or contain larger amounts of these valuable materials.

Thefts can be completed in just a few minutes using a battery-powered reciprocating saw. Once removed, the catalytic converter can cost thousands of dollars to replace, especially if sensors and surrounding exhaust components are damaged during the theft. Owners who park outdoors, particularly in apartment complexes, workplace parking lots, or poorly lit areas, are more vulnerable. If you own one of the following vehicles, extra precautions to reduce the likelihood of theft may be worth considering.

Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 continues to be one of America's best-selling vehicles, which unfortunately makes it a favorite target for catalytic converter thieves. One reason is simple: numbers. Because it's the best-selling vehicle in America (and has been for decades), there are literally millions of F-150s on the road, giving thieves a massive pool of potential targets.

In addition, the truck's high ground clearance allows criminals to slide underneath without using a jack, making the theft process quicker and easier. On top of that, a disproportionate volume of Ford F-150s serve as work trucks and are often left parked at job sites, parking lots, or other locations for extended periods, creating opportunities for thieves who pay attention to these things.

Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer has become another common target for catalytic converter theft, particularly older models that remain popular with families and fleet operators. Although catalytic converter theft can occur on nearly any Explorer, thieves tend to focus on fifth-generation models (2011–2019) and early sixth-generation models built between 2020 and 2022.

Like the F-150, the Explorer offers enough ground clearance for thieves to move quickly and without the need for a jack. The Explorer's easily accessible catalytic converter location allows experienced thieves to remove it relatively quickly. Although catalytic converter thefts have decreased of late due to law enforcement crackdowns and an increase in anti-theft devices, the Explorer consistently remains in top five most targeted vehicles.

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord has been a longtime favorite among catalytic converter thieves and remains one of the most vulnerable passenger cars in 2026. The 8th Generation (2008–2012) & 9th Generation (2013–2017) models feature exposed converters that can be quickly cut out by thieves using a portable saw. The most easily accessible versions had the V6 engine. The V6 actually had three converters, the last of which was the easiest to access directly under the chassis. Honda has since made newer generations less vulnerable by tucking the catalytic converter away in a less accessible position.

The Accord's popularity also works against owners. Since so many examples are on the road, thieves can target them without drawing much attention. Older Accord models, in both sedan and coupe variants, are especially attractive because their catalytic converters often contain higher concentrations of precious metals than many newer vehicles.

Final Thoughts

While thefts aren't as prevalent in 2026, catalytic converter theft remains a concern for vehicle owners today, particularly those driving high-volume models like the Ford F-150, Ford Explorer, and Honda Accord. Their popularity, accessibility, and valuable catalytic converters make them attractive targets for thieves looking for a quick payday. While no anti-theft solution is foolproof, parking in secure locations, installing protective shields, and using surveillance systems can significantly reduce the chances of becoming a victim.

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 3:30 PM.