Unusual: A Shield for Your Toyota Prius Catalytic Converter

This is not a joke. Due to the surge in thefts of catalytic converters from Toyota Prius vehicles, several companies have developed an accessory to protect this essential component for your car’s proper functioning.

Who would have thought. Initially, a good old Toyota Prius Hybrid has no reason to attract greed, but nevertheless, it has become one of the most stolen, and also most damaged, cars in recent years.

The culprit is its catalytic converter, which contains rare metals (Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium…) whose prices have skyrocketed in recent years, inspiring crafty thieves to steal the exhaust and extract its valuable materials.

The police testimonies are astonishing. “They cut it with a grinder, slipping under the vehicle,” explained a law enforcement officer to our colleagues at France 3 Alsace.

€1,500, excluding labor!

Why is the Toyota Prius particularly targeted by organized gangs? Simply because its catalytic converters are the most expensive from the Japanese manufacturer and contain the most rare materials. Replacing a catalytic converter costs at least €1,500 excluding labor.

Although Toyota now marks its catalytic converters in a vain effort to trace them and advises customers to park their cars in certain ways, other solutions exist.

A high-end version…

Developed by the American company MillerCat, the CatShield is, as its name suggests, a shield designed to protect your catalytic converters. Made from quality 5052 aluminum, it promises “excellent resistance to theft and corrosion,” according to the manufacturer. However, the cost is at least $250 (about €235), plus $124 (about €115) for shipping to get this accessory!

… And a more affordable model

If your budget is tighter, you can fortunately find a more affordable anti-theft plate on the site catalyseur-auto.com. Here, you should count on around €180 including shipping, although the protection might be less robust.

In any case, if you park your Toyota Prius outdoors, it might be worth the risk!

Also read: Toyota Prius 5: The best-selling hybrid gets a refresh