A rise in value has caused an increase in catalytic converter thefts across the U.S., according to new data from vehicle history provider CARFAX.

More than 137,000 catalytic converters were stolen in 2025, with thousands more estimated to have been stolen at the start of this year.

Law enforcement warns that thieves target the emission-control devices to access the valuable precious metals they contain, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium.

Here are the top vehicles most frequently targeted nationwide:

1. Ford F-150 pickup truck

2. Hyundai Tucson SUV

3. Ford Explorer SUV

4. Ram 2500 heavy-duty pickup truck

5. Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck

6. Chevrolet Traverse SUV

7. Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickup truck

8. Ford EcoSport SUV

9. Ford Expedition SUV

10. Chevrolet Trax SUV

“There is a wide range of vehicles impacted, and most of these are pickup trucks and SUVs, which tend to sit higher off the ground, making it easier for thieves to get in and out,” said Patrick Olsen, editor-in-chief at CARFAX. “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.”

Rising precious metal prices are one of the main factors behind the increase in thefts.

Rhodium, one of the metals found in catalytic converters, has more than doubled in value over the past year, reaching about $11,000 per ounce in March, data showed. Prices today remain below the 2021 peak of roughly $30,000 per ounce.

“Thieves stripped these catalytic converters in a matter of minutes, leaving the car owners to face thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket repair bills,” said Cpl. Annelise Barrett of the Sykesville Police Department. “We are seeing a noticeable bump in these incidents, not only in our area, but in the surrounding cities as well.”

To protect your vehicles, law enforcement recommends the following safety measures:

• Park securely:

  Utilize a locked garage whenever possible.

• Choose high-visibility areas:

  If parking outside, choose well-lit spaces with high foot traffic.

• Upgrade security:

  Install motion-sensor lights and increase your vehicle alarm’s sensitivity.

• Install a physical deterrent:

  Consider adding a metal cage or lock around your catalytic converter. Thieves target easy opportunities; adding even a minor challenge can cause them to move on.

• Make identification easier:

  If possible, engrave your VIN on the catalytic converter. If it is stolen, the VIN can help law enforcement, scrapyards, and pawn shops identify and recover the part.