Catalytic converter thieves targeting the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius

Catalytic converter thefts in the United States have increased significantly in 2021, and a recent report finds that thieves are particularly seeking the part fitted to the second-generation Toyota Prius. Insurance claims involving a Prius built from 2004 to 2009 are skyrocketing.

It's not the irony of removing the catalytic converter from a so-called "green" car that's leading thieves to crawl under an old Prius — though the hybrid system is indirectly to blame. The Highway Loss Data Institute explains that the catalytic converter installed on this version of the hatchback is built with more precious metals than the one found on, say, a Land Cruiser because it doesn't get as hot since the engine isn't always running. The price of metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium is going up, so the number of thefts are on the upswing as well.