Catalytic converter theft from cars isn’t a new crime, but it has increased significantly in recent times.
Police forces around the UK, including those in West Yorkshire, London and Nottinghamshire, are advising owners of any car fitted with a catalytic converter to take precautions.
Any car fitted with a catalytic converter within the exhaust system could be at risk. In the case of Lexus, we are aware that the second-generation Lexus RX 400h models (2005-2008) and the Lexus CT 200h have been a target for thieves.
Below we’ve gathered the best advice for Lexus owners who may be concerned.
What is a catalytic converter?
The catalytic converter is part of the car’s emissions control system. It cleans up the exhaust gases before they are expelled from the car through the exhaust pipe. Its internal elements react with the gases, breaking them down into less harmful substances and water vapour. All cars sold in Europe since 1993 have had to be fitted with catalytic converter by law.
Why are they a target for thieves?
The police are best placed to offer advice on the motivation behind crimes. But we understand that the recycling value of catalytic converters is the primary attraction to thieves because it contains precious metals such as rhodium, platinum and palladium.
What is Lexus doing to stop its cars being targeted?
In May 2021, Lexus (GB) announced that it would be covertly marking more than 100,000 catalytic converters in order to combat theft. By working with police and Smartwater, catalytic converters can be tagged with an invisible yet traceable marking, meaning that a stolen catalytic converter can be traced to a specific crime, helping police in their attempts to fight the organised gangs responsible. It also raises the risk to all those handling the devices along the criminal chain, from theft to eventual disposal and recycling.
It is free to get the catalytic converter marked, all customers need to do is call their local Toyota or Lexus retailer to arrange a visit.
In addition to this, Lexus has issued 20,000 Smartwater kits to police to support their local anti-catalyst theft initiatives. The company is also working with the AA, Toyota’s roadside partner, so its patrols can point customers to where they can get a free kit.
We have also developed and reduced the price of a ‘Catloc’ device which can deter theft and make it more difficult. Lexus teams in the UK and other countries are urgently exploring new technical possibilities to deter criminals as well.
We are working with the police, as well as talking to government about changes in the law around scrap metal sales that would make it harder for criminals to sell stolen catalysts for cash.
However, these are criminal operations and our scope is therefore limited. A number of police forces are taking action and some forces, such as Nottinghamshire, are also starting awareness campaigns. It is vitally important for anyone who is a victim of this crime to report it to their local police force as quickly as possible.
In the main, it remains older cars that are targeted because advances in efficiency and technology mean the latest generations of Lexus catalytic converters contain vastly lower amounts of precious metals, whilst still doing their job just as well or even better; this means their value for recycling is very low and they are not attractive to thieves.
We’re doing all we can. We’ve shared police guidance with customers, and are seeking technical solutions, although for obvious reasons we would like to refrain from talking about specifics.
We are also working with the police, as well as talking to government about changes in the law around scrap metal sales that would make it harder for criminals to sell stolen catalysts for cash.
However, these are criminal operations and our scope is therefore limited. A number of police forces are taking action and some forces, such as Nottinghamshire, are also starting awareness campaigns. It is vitally important for anyone who is a victim of this crime to report it to their local police force as quickly as possible.
In the main it remains older cars that are targeted because advances in efficiency and technology mean the latest generations of Lexus catalytic converters contain vastly lower amounts of precious metals, whilst still doing their job just as well or even better; this means their value for recycling is very low and they are not attractive to thieves.
How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?
Our priority is to do all we can to support Lexus customers who have been the victims of catalytic converter theft.
We have reduced the prices of catalytic converters to a level where Lexus UK does not make any profit from their supply to customers.
Your nearest Lexus centre can advise on exact costs after inspecting your vehicle.
How long will I have to wait for replacement parts?
The rapid rise in this crime is one we could not have envisaged set against many years of low incidence of thefts. It has impacted our ability to source a sufficient quantity of replacement parts, for which we sincerely apologise.
However, we are taking urgent action with our suppliers to secure increased supplies, which we hope will allow us to effectively tackle the supply issue and repair customers’ cars more quickly.
Who can I contact if I’m worried about my Lexus?
If you are worried about potential catalytic converter theft from your Lexus, we recommend you use our locator tool to find your nearest Lexus centre and contact them to discuss the best way to protect your car.
This article was last updated on 14 May 2021, so some of the responses to reader comments below have been superseded by more recent information.
To be honest I got to a point that I have placed so many security measures in my house. However all the above are only good if my car is parked in my drive, useless if its anywhere outside in the public.
I hold Lexus responsible for all the hassle we’re going through.
Hello Feri, thanks for your comment.
We are sorry you feel this way. We can assure you that we are constantly monitoring the situation and are doing all we can to support our customers that have been impacted by this horrible crime.
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact our Customer Relations Team here – https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/customer-relations-contact-us.
Thanks.
Hi
I have just had my cat converter stolen off car off my drive this weekend , the police have closed the case without coming out . I have an elderly mother I have to travel to , I work full time & the garage the insurance have said to collect have said it could take up to 2months to get the parts , yet I only get a courtesy car for 14dsys . My car that I love is now leaving a very bitter taste in my mouth & worry I’m my heart , I have no transport
Hello Sue, thanks for getting in touch.
We are really sorry to hear that you have been affected by this horrible crime. We understand and apologise for the distress and inconvenience this may cause.
Organised criminal gangs have been targeting some of our older hybrid models due to the higher amount of precious metals within the Catalytic Converter. These materials were fitted to make the Catalytic Converter more efficient at removing harmful emissions, making the car cleaner. We couldn’t have envisaged the value of these materials rising so high in the last few years. As our hybrid systems have become more efficient, we have taken action over time to reduce the precious metal content of the Catalytic Converter of our newer hybrids by up to 84%.
Please contact our Customer Relations Team regarding this. You can find them on 0345 129 5484 or https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/customer-relations-contact-us.
Many thanks.
Have you made any changes to the 2023 RX to prevent cat theft?
I’m very reluctant to spend £70k on a vehicle who’s manufacturer hasn’t done anything to address this issue. Can I have straight answer please and not the usual hogwash.
Hello Leigh,
Thank you for your question.
We appreciate your concern about the catalytic converter in our next RX.
However, over time, we have reduced the precious metal content of our catalytic converters by up to 84%.
Our newer vehicles have vastly less precious metals due to improved hybrid technology, including the new RX, and are not “worth” stealing.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Thanks.
After my catalytic converter was stolen early this year, I fitted the car with Carloc. Now it has been stolen again . The thief managed to break the Catloc. Therefore I don’t trust catloc anymore. I am fed up owning a hybrid until the police can show that they are able curb this crime. By the way it was stolen from a busy car park with plenty of CCTVs.
Hello Moshi, thanks for getting in touch.
We’re really sorry to hear that you’ve been affected by this crime. We understand the distress that it may cause.
Organised criminal gangs have been targeting some of our older hybrid models due to the higher amount of precious metals within the catalytic converter. These materials were fitted to make the catalytic converter more efficient at removing harmful emissions, making the car cleaner. There was no way we could have envisaged the value of these materials rising so high in the last few years. As our hybrid systems have become more efficient, our newer models have much reduced precious metal content in the catalytic converter, making them less attractive to thieves. This is a criminal issue, and we working with various agencies, including the Police, to try to put a stop to it.
Once again, we are very sorry that this has happened to you and hope you are back on the road soon.
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact our Customer Relations Team here – https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/customer-relations-contact-us.
Thanks.
Returned to Bletchley Train station after work today, to find my convertor stolen.
Took a few hours to get a tow organised as apparently is £1k fine to drive without one.
Whilst waiting I heard another driver turn on an engine which clearly didn’t have all the bits when he’d parked up in the morning.
We both have CT200h models, and they’d clearly come looking for the model.
Car park is covered in CCTV footage, but not expecting any results from the incident report to be honest.
Having previously had a car vandalised, and losing my no claims for getting thee repairs covered, I’ve come to discover that such incidents are not even covered by the car insurance regulator as it’s not within the road traffic act. So absolutely no recourse other than to pay up and/or lose claims despite being a victim of a crime.
I returned from London to Farnborough Main station where my CT 200h was parked only to find my cat had been stolen. I have informed both the local police and the transport police and South West Railways who are all investigating. Might be CCTVof the incident available. My Lexus main dealer who are dealing with the repair have informed me today that they can’t get a replacement cat until 5th Dec and what is much worse, they have no courtesy cars. This is disgusting. On top of this, I have got to pay a heavy excess on my insurance. Come on Lexus, help your customers. The problem is your fault. Should Lexus need to contact me, my email is pakt@bt internet.com.
Disgruntled Peter Goodfellow
Hello Peter, thanks for reaching out to us.
We are very sorry to hear of this experience. We apologise for the distress and inconvenience this has caused.
Please be aware we are constantly monitoring this situation and are doing all we can to support our customers that have been impacted by this horrible crime. We have taken action over time to reduce the precious metal content of the catalytic converters of our newer hybrids by up to 84%.
Please contact our Customer Relations Team to discuss this further. You can find them on 0345 129 5484 or https://forms.lexus.co.uk/webforms/contact.aspx.
Once again, we are sorry to hear that your vehicle has been targeted by thieves and for the distress that this crime has caused.
Many thanks.
Had mine CC stolen from my ct200h in September. Took nearly two months to get car back all the while having no courtesy car from my insurance. Got the car back just under two weeks ago. As of writing this message, I was just settling down to watch the England game to hear my alarm going off. Thieves had the side of car up on a jack with an angle grinder going off under the car. I’ve not had the car back two weeks and it’s happened AGAIN. you say sophisticated tools?? All I saw was a jack and angle grinder. The Cat is in plain view once you get under it, so how you can say it isn’t a design flaw is just baffling.
From: about to be a former Lexus owner.
Hello Craig,
We are sorry to hear that you have been affected by this horrible crime on two occasions.
Determined criminal gangs target models such as the CT because the catalytic convertor is located under the vehicle.
Unfortunately, the location of the component can’t be changed on models out of production.
However, this is where the use of a CatLoc, combined with Smartwater application, can be used as a good deterrent.
Some of our older hybrid models due to the higher amount of precious metals within the catalytic converter.
These materials were fitted to make the catalytic converter more efficient at removing harmful emissions, making the car cleaner.
There was no way we could have envisaged the value of these materials rising so high in the last few years.
Once again, we are really sorry to hear that you have been targeted by this awful crime.
If there is anything else we can do to assist you at this time, please let us know.
Thanks.
In this part of Kent number plate theft is rife in addition to the theft of the catalytic converters.
Somebody else’s number plates disguises the thief’s vehicle and provides immunity from speeding fines, parking fines, road tax, accident liability and is ideal for petrol theft and use of the thief’s vehicle for burglary and many other crimes.
All this comes back to the original owner.
The number plate fixing screws on my IS300h are flimsy and easily removed; the locking screws sold by Halfords are not much better.
Can Lexus offer their owners a security package – weld on the catalyst and a secure fixing for the number plate?
Hello Graham, thanks for your comment.
We are sorry to hear about this.
Unfortunately, these crimes are being perpetrated by determined, organised criminal gangs using power tools.
We have a number of protective measures available for Catalytic Converters. Please contact your Lexus Centre to find out what is available for your vehicle.
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact our Customer Relations Team here: https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/customer-relations-contact-us .
Thanks.
We had our converter stolen in September and it took two months for the repair to be done. Now we are petrified it will be stolen again. Lexus Birmingham will fit a catloc for £230.00 with no guarantees.
Went to the dealer where the salesman insists that the UX 250h will not have its cat converter stolen as it is buried deep in the bonnet and it not accessible from the under surface of the car.
Is this true? From looking at the replies from Lexus here, I very much doubt it. Catloc also seems to offer no protection. Does Lexus have a solution before ours get stolen again?
Hello Sanjay,
Thanks for your comment.
We are sorry to hear that you were affected by this horrible crime.
Firstly, over time, we have reduced the precious metal content of our catalytic converters by up to 84%.
Your final point about the UX 250h is also correct.
The latest generation of our vehicles being produced have the catalytic convertor incorporated into the exhaust manifold, this makes access very difficult.
This part of the design is due to higher temperatures used for correct operation.
Thanks.
Is the catalytic converter on the new NX 450h also placed in the very difficult to reach place?
I ask as I have recently test driven this car, but cannot justify paying the large amount of money for something so attractive to criminals
Hello Gary, thanks for your question.
Our Technical Team have advised that without a VIN or Vehicle Registration, it is difficult to get the correct information for the correct model. However, on the Lexus NX, the Catalyst is normally located directly off the exhaust manifold, which is generally harder to get to than models with the Catalyst located directly under the car. Due to Catalytic Converter theft, vehicles are now designed to make it harder for thieves to access the catalyst.
Hope this helps.
Thanks.
I had my catalytic converter stolen at Farnham Railway Station, Surrey, on 1 December 2022.
RX400h (2006 reg.). The car was parked 09:00-15:30 in broad daylight in a car park blanketed with CCTV.
£600+VAT to replace excluding labour. Both station management and I have reported the crime to British Transport Police. CCTV to be requested.
Shocked and amazed that the converter was so easy to remove, by perpetrators motivated to act and steal.
Hello Kurt, thanks for your comment.
We are very sorry to hear that you’ve been affected by this horrible crime.
We appreciate the severity of this and apologise for any distress caused.
This crime is being perpetrated by organised criminal gangs using power tools, and we are working with the police and various other agencies to put a stop to it. We have developed theft prevention devices for our customers and these are available from Lexus centres.
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact our Customer Relations Team here: https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/customer-relations-contact-us
Thanks.
My CC of CT200h has been stolen in Sheffield on 7th December 2022.
The thefts did it within two minutes even if the alarm was activated, reported by the witnesses, my neighbours.
How long should I wait for the replacement? Also, any suggestions for preventing such theft again?
Hello Joseph, thanks for reaching out to us.
We are very sorry to hear that you’ve been affected by this crime. We apologise for the inconvenience and distress this may cause.
This crime is being perpetrated by organised criminal gangs using power tools, and we are working with the police and various other agencies to put a stop to it.
We have developed theft prevention devices for our customers at zero profit to Lexus UK. Please contact your Lexus Centre to see which protective measures are available for your vehicle.
Once again, we are very sorry to hear that this has happened to you and hope you are back on the road soon.
Thanks.
Where is the catalytic converter located on the new RX 450h+?
After reading earlier comments your answer may influence the decision to place an order
Hello Michael, thanks for your question.
Our Technical Team have advised that the Catalytic Converter is located just after the turbo, close to the exhaust manifold. Then, if installed there is a Petrol Particle filter just after.
Hope this helps.
Thanks.
Hi I am proud owner of a NX350 do I need to be convened regarding converter theft ?
Hello David, thanks for your comment.
All vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter are technically at risk of theft, and theft of catalytic converters has been happening since they have been a legal requirement on all new petrol and diesel cars since 1993, albeit in relatively low numbers. All catalytic converters contain precious metals that can be attractive to thieves, regardless of manufacturer or age. However, targeted Lexus vehicles are almost always older hybrid models we no longer make. This is because previous generations of catalytic converter for our hybrid vehicles had much larger quantities of precious metals in them, to help reduce vehicle emissions.
We recommend contacting your Lexus Centre to see which protective measures are available for your vehicle.
Thanks.
Can someone please tell me where the catalytic converter on the 2017 Lexus GS450h is and how many CC does it have?
I use to own a 2009 GS450h from which the catalytic converter was sold twice in one year. Each time the repair bill was over £2000. I am a big fan of Lexus cars but the trouble I had with the stolen catalytic converter has put me off from buying another Lexus car.
Thanks
Hello Bobby, thanks for your question.
We are sorry to hear about this experience. Over time, we have reduced the precious metal content of our catalytic converters by up to 84%, but unfortunately it was impossible for us to envisage such a rise in the value of these materials when we designed the product many years ago.
Please may you provide a Vehicle Registration so that we can look into your question.
Thanks.