Top 5 Student Cars at Highest Risk of Catalytic Converter Theft
College life is already a balancing act. Between early morning classes, late-night study sessions, and balancing a ramen budget, students have enough on their plates. The last thing any student needs is getting their catalytic converter stolen and an unexpected repair bill of up to $3,000 in the middle of their semester. Unfortunately, having your catalytic converter stolen is becoming increasingly common across the country, and campus parking lots have become prime hunting grounds for thieves.
Why? Well, it's simple! Criminals target the same dependable, budget-friendly vehicles that students prefer. These cars may be reliable and affordable, but their small engines and popularity with students make them attractive to thieves. If you read our blog post titled “Student Safety: Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft on Campuses”, you already know why parking lots on and near campus are such easy pickings. In this post, we focus on just the cars themselves.
We will count down the top five student vehicles at highest risk for catalytic converter theft, plus we'll give you one bonus pick you should not overlook, so be sure to stick around until the end. For each vehicle, we explain why it is popular with students, why it appeals to thieves, and what it might cost to replace a stolen catalytic converter.
5. Honda Civic – Popular Campus Workhorse Low Risk
Student Popularity Score: 6/10
Catalytic Converter Theft Risk: 2/10
Why Students Love It
The Honda Civic is a classic choice for campus life. Affordable, fuel-efficient, and famously reliable, it is ideal for students who want a dependable vehicle without high maintenance costs. Many students inherit older Civics from family members, while others choose them for low insurance rates and practical size.
Why Thieves Target It
While the Civic is not a top-value target for catalytic converter theft, Civics are everywhere. On many campuses, a thief does not have to search far to find one parked in a school parking lot. Older Civics have less ground clearance, making the catalytic converter harder to reach. There are plenty more targets on campus that thieves prefer, the Civic will only become an option as an absolute last resort.
Replacement Cost
If you happen to be one of the seriously unlucky and rare individuals targeted, replacing a Civic’s catalytic converter can cost between $1,500 and $2,000, depending on the model year and parts availability.
Protection is not currently needed for this model.
4. Toyota Tacoma – Rugged Student Favorite with High Theft Rate
Student Popularity Score: 4/10
Catalytic Converter Theft Risk: 7/10
Why Students Love It
The Toyota Tacoma is a top choice for students who need versatility. It can haul dorm furniture, handle outdoor adventures, and take on part-time work that requires hauling or towing. Known for durability, many Tacomas stay in families for years and are passed down from one sibling to another.
Why Thieves Target It
The Tacoma’s higher ride height gives thieves easy access to steal the catalytic converter without the need for a jack. Using a cordless saw, the part can be removed in under a minute. Once spotted in a parking lot, it becomes a quick and appealing job for criminals and among the most targeted in our line up.
Replacement Cost
Older Tacomas typically cost $1,200 to $3,500 to repair. Newer models with multiple catalytic converters are on the higher end.
Tacoma Catalytic Converter Shield Available NOW!
3. Toyota Camry – Comfortable Sedan Popular Target for Catalytic Converter Theft
Student Popularity Score: 7/10
Catalytic Converter Theft Risk: 7/10
Why Students Love It
The Camry Hybrid combines comfort, space, and excellent fuel economy. Many students receive them from family members, which reduces costs while still providing a safe and roomy vehicle. It offers great long-distance driving comfort and practical fuel savings.
Why Thieves Target It
Camry Hybrid models have catalytic converters with higher concentrations of precious metals, making them more valuable on the black market. Their distinctive hybrid badging makes them easy for thieves to spot from a distance. Non-hybrid four-cylinder models are also among the most frequently targeted for catalytic converter theft within this model lineup.
Replacement Cost
Repairs typically range from $1,500 to $3,000, with hybrid models on the higher end.
Camry Hybrid Catalytic Converter Shield Available NOW!
2. Toyota Prius – Highest Target for Catalytic Converter Theft
Student Popularity Score: 8/10
Catalytic Converter Theft Risk: 10/10
Why Students Love It
The Prius is unmatched for fuel efficiency, saving students hundreds in fuel each year. It is easy to park, inexpensive to run, and offers ample cargo space for trips home or apartment moves. Many students also value its eco-friendly reputation.
Why Thieves Target It
We like to say that the Prius started it all. Every Prius ever made is a hybrid, which means every single one is a guaranteed target for catalytic converter thieves. Older models, particularly from 2004 to 2009, contain especially high concentrations of precious metals, making them extremely profitable to steal. The Prius’s undercarriage layout allows for quick and easy removal, so even its relatively low ground clearance does little to deter thieves. In fact, its long-running popularity has only increased the number of thefts over the years, turning the Prius into one of the most stolen vehicles for catalytic converters in the world.
Replacement Cost
OEM Prius converter replacements typically cost between $2,000 and $3,000 due to strict emissions standards and limited availability.
Prius Catalytic Converter Shield Available NOW!
1. Toyota Corolla – Most Popular Student Car & Highly Targeted For Catalytic Converter Theft
Student Popularity Score: 10/10
Catalytic Converter Theft Risk: 9/10
Why Students Love It
The Toyota Corolla is more than just a popular choice. It is a true campus icon. Affordable, fuel-efficient, and built to last, it offers the perfect mix of practicality and style. Parents trust it for its strong safety ratings. Students value it for low running costs and dependable performance. With so many on the road, it is often the first choice for first-time buyers and experienced commuters alike.
Why Thieves Target It
The Corolla’s widespread presence on campuses turns it into a numbers game for thieves. With so many in one place, finding an unprotected Corolla is quick and easy. Its catalytic converter can be removed in minutes with basic tools. The risk has grown even higher in recent years because newer Corolla models include hybrid versions that contain more precious metals, making them more profitable to steal. This mix of high availability, simple access, and added hybrid value keeps the Corolla at the top of the theft risk list. Rising theft rates across the country only make the Corolla an even more appealing target, especially in student parking lots where it often becomes a quick and easy payday for criminals.
Replacement Cost
Replacing a stolen Corolla catalytic converter typically costs between $1,600 and $2,500, with newer emission-compliant models often costing more.
Corolla Catalytic Converter Shield Available NOW!
Bonus Vehicle: Toyota RAV4 – Compact SUV with a Big Target
Student Popularity Score: 6/10
Catalytic Converter Theft Risk: 8/10
Why Students Like It
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. and a common sight on campuses. Students appreciate its balance of size and practicality, offering enough cargo space for moving belongings or carrying gear without feeling bulky to drive. Its reliability and low maintenance costs make it a sensible choice for long commutes, weekend trips, and daily errands. The RAV4 is available in both gas and hybrid models, with hybrids offering significant fuel savings that appeal to budget-conscious students.
Why Thieves Target It
RAV4s have catalytic converters with higher concentrations of precious metals in the Hybrid models, increasing their street value. The SUV’s higher ground clearance makes the converter easier to reach, allowing thieves to remove it quickly. The RAV4’s strong sales and large presence on the road and college campuses gives criminals plenty of opportunities to find an unprotected target.
Replacement Cost
Repair costs range from $1,800 to $2,500 depending on the model year and hybrid components.
Rav4 Catalytic Converter Shield Available NOW!
Final Thoughts & Reminders
Catalytic converter theft is more than a costly inconvenience. For students, it can disrupt transportation to class, affect part-time work, and cause serious financial strain. The most effective way to prevent this crime is by installing a catalytic converter shield designed specifically for your vehicle.
For those of you astute readers who may have noticed a pattern in our top five picks and even the bonus vehicle, it is not the third can of energy drink making you see things. The trend is real: Toyota vehicles in general are the most targeted for catalytic converter theft. While other manufacturers are at risk too, Toyota’s widespread popularity and valuable converters make them stand out to thieves. If you or someone you know drives a Toyota, they should read this post and check out Miller CAT’s website.
See All Catalytic Converter Shield Options HERE!
Even if your car was not mentioned in this list, you should still visit Miller CAT’s website. If they make a shield for your vehicle, that means it is at risk for catalytic converter theft. Protecting your car now can save you thousands in repairs and headaches later. As many online reviewers have noted, the investment may be worth it for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your vehicle is protected.
And remember, protecting you and your student's vehicle is just the first step. Share this article with friends, family, school faculty, and anyone else who you think could be at risk. Together, we can help protect more vehicles, reduce converter theft, and keep students focused on what matters most, their education.
Stay safe, protect your ride, and help us combat this growing crime!
