'In Just Parts?!': Thieves Steal Catalytic Converters From Man's Toyota. Then He Gets The Estimate

It sucks to have to pay a premium to replace a broken or now non-existent auto part—that’s only made worse when thieves are the reason you’re having to shell out the cash to get your vehicle up and running again.

Thieves have figured out that certain cars are easier to steal or steal from than others, and it seems Toyota Tacomas fall in that category. Would this incident scare you off from getting one?

Toyota Tacoma Catalytic Converter: What’s It Worth?

In a Facebook Reel with over 137,000 views, mechanic Kris Buchowicz (@krisbuchowiczz) films underneath a 2022 Toyota Tacoma he’s working on and lays out the damage he’s seeing. 

He explains (and shows) that both catalytic converters are gone, that the sensors were damaged in the process (presuming it was a theft), and that the vehicle now needs everything from gaskets to screws to nuts.

"This does not include labor," he says, holding up the parts estimate.

The printout, which he shows in the video, lists line item after line item (though you only see the cost, not the item description), with parts ranging from a couple of dollars to nearly $1,000 each.  A total highlighted in yellow at the bottom reads $2,300.04. That’s two bands just for parts.

"Protect these at all cost,” Buchowicz urges in the caption. 

Why Tacoma Catalytic Converters Are Such a Target

The Tacoma isn't just a popular truck; it's one of the most targeted vehicles in the country for this specific crime, Amarok reports. The Tacoma's high ground clearance makes it easy for thieves to slide under it without a jack, and its popularity means there's always a market for parts. 

The value comes from what's actually inside the converter: platinum, palladium, and rhodium, all of which can fetch more per ounce than gold. A catalytic converter can generally be stolen in just a few minutes, making it a high-return, low-risk crime.

However, State Farm reported a 74% drop in catalytic converter theft claims in the first half of 2024 compared with the same period in 2023, driven in part by new state laws and increased enforcement. The states with the highest volume of reported claims are California, Illinois, New York, Texas, and Florida.

How Much Does A Catalytic Converter Cost?

Edmunds puts the replacement cost for a late-model Tacoma between $1,273 and $1,342 per converter.

Does Insurance Cover Theft?

If it does happen, State Farm notes that comprehensive auto insurance typically covers catalytic converter theft after a deductible, which is worth checking before the full bill hits your bank account. 

For prevention, experts recommend parking in an enclosed or well-lit garage when possible, etching the VIN onto the converter to make it harder to resell, and considering anti-theft shield devices designed specifically for Tacomas.

Commenters React

“That’s why I drive a 50 year-old truck,” a top comment read.

“Buy aftermarket hi flow cats. They are cheaper and have less exotic metals and thieves will not steal those. Less than a thousand for everything,” a person suggested.

“We had like 6 in one night at our dealership followed up by 4 customer cars a few years ago,” another shared.

Motor1 reached out to Kris Buchowicz via Instagram and Facebook direct message for comment and to Toyota via email. We'll be sure to update this if either responds.