How to : Has Your Catalytic Converter Been Stolen? How to Tell and What to Do If It Has Been

A missing catalytic converter will trigger oxygen sensors in your exhaust. It probably won’t take long for that dreaded engine warning light to appear. When it does, you can use an OBD code scanner to identify the specific problem, or you can just go ahead and make a service appointment for your vehicle.^[2]

Pickups, SUVs, and hybrids are common targets. Catalytic converter theft is usually a crime of opportunity, and vehicles that are higher off the ground make it easier to quickly access the desired part. That said, hybrid cars—most notably the Toyota Prius—are very common targets for a completely different reason: their catalytic converters have more of the precious metals that thieves are after.^[3]

Get out of the car if you smell exhaust, since it can be deadly. Without a catalytic converter, your vehicle spews out a lot of nasty stuff, including potentially-deadly carbon monoxide. The exhaust will smell more potent than usual and is likely to seep up into the cabin from underneath your car. If you smell this exhaust odor, it’s time to shut off the car and get out.^[4]

The exhaust won’t just smell worse—it’ll look thicker and dirtier, too. The exhaust from a modern vehicle is usually nearly invisible. Without the catalytic converter doing its thing, however, the exhaust coming from your vehicle will appear much thicker and darker, likely with a gray-blue tint to it. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to when cars belched out smelly, sooty exhaust.^[5]

Crouch down and take a look to confirm your suspicions. Look particularly in the area in front of the muffler. If the catalytic converter is gone, you’ll see an empty space and exposed sections of the exhaust line. Thieves usually steal catalytic converters by cutting them out, so you’ll see saw marks and probably other damage along the exhaust line.^[6]

It’s best not to drive the vehicle, but you’ll notice the difference if you do. Modern vehicles are designed to have functional, clean catalytic converters, so you can cause substantial damage by driving without one. Among other problems, your vehicle’s computer won’t be able to calculate the proper fuel injection rate, leading to obvious sluggishness and sputtering of the engine if you attempt to drive.^[7]

Call the police, arrange for repairs, and try not to drive the vehicle. You’ll be angry, confused, and maybe a bit fearful once you figure out your catalytic converter has been stolen. Focus on simple measures you can take to handle the situation:^[8]