Ford F-Series Most Targeted For Catalytic Converter Theft

While the Ford F-Series line of pickups has always been just as popular with thieves as it is with consumers, in recent years, those same criminals have been targeting some of those vehicles’ more valuable parts, too. That includes things like tailgates, wheels, headlights, taillights, and of course, catalytic converters, which can go for big bucks on the parts market. Thus, we’ve seen more than a handful of F-Series pickups targeted by thieves aiming to steal its catalytic converter in recent months, some of which were rather comical or unsuccessful in nature. Regardless, the Ford F-Series is the most targeted vehicle for this type of theft, according to new data from Carfax.

After topping the list of vehicles that are most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen in 2021, the Ford F-Series repeated that feat last year, which isn’t a massive surprise, given the fact that it’s been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for decades. There are millions of these trucks on the road, making them an easy and desirable mark, as well as one that sits up a bit higher in the air, making it easier to steal the catalytic converter underneath.

At the same time, catalytic converter theft continues to grow with each passing year, totaling around 153,000 in 2022, versus 52,000 the year prior. And since Carfax acquired this data using nothing more than service records indicating that a catalytic converter had been replaced – taking into account whether that happened because of a defect or recall, or just old age – it’s possible that the actual figure is far higher.

With the cost of new catalytic converters ranging between $2,000-$3,000, this is obviously an expensive problem for vehicle owners, but thieves are more interested in melting down the precious metals found in these anti-pollution devices – platinum, palladium, and rhodium – which can sell for between $970 and upwards of $10,000 an ounce, as is the case with rhodium. Otherwise, simply reselling them can net thieves anywhere from $25 to $300, or up to $1,400 in some cases.

We’ll have more on the F-Series soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford F-Series news, Ford Super Duty news, Ford F-150 news, and continuous Ford news coverage.