The Lexus RX450h isn’t the most valuable target for catalytic converter thieves, but inexperienced or desperate thieves won’t be deterred. The best way to protect your RX is to park in a secure space, carve the VIN onto the part directly, or install a protective plate.

Whether you’re just taking all the necessary precautions or you and your RX450h have already been the victim of catalytic converter theft, we can help. This handy guide will go over ways to prevent catalytic converter theft, what to do if yours gets taken, and what kind of

car insurance

can ease the burden.

MORE:

How to lower Lexus RX450h insurance costs

Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Lexus RX450h?

Sort of. Most Lexus RX450h models have two catalytic converters (aka cats): the primary cat and the secondary cat.

For 2016 models or newer, the primary catalytic converter is located inside the engine bay, so it’s not the easiest to get to. The secondary cat, which is used for extra engine heating, is a bit easier to get to—but it’s not targeted often because it’s not as valuable. That doesn’t mean thieves know the difference, though.

Lexus RX models—as well as

Lexus NX

models—are popular targets for catalytic converter theft due to their higher ground clearance as SUVs.

Top Lexus RX450h years that catalytic converter thieves target

Unfortunately, hybrid models of any kind are more likely to be targeted. And all Lexus RX450h models older than 2015 will have a more valuable catalytic converter than newer models.

The older models have a higher concentration of precious metals in the converters, making them worth more to thieves selling them on the black market.

MORE:

Cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves

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Why are Lexus RX450h catalytic converters stolen?

Catalytic converters are essential parts of a vehicle’s exhaust system because they convert toxic fumes from your engine into less-harmful gases that escape through the exhaust. To do this, the part needs precious metals like rhodium, platinum, and palladium to catalyze the process. These metals are extremely valuable. In fact, their values have skyrocketed in recent years—leading to more catalytic converter thefts.

At the end of 2022, here’s what each of the metals in your RX450h’s catalytic converter is worth:

Platinum: $1,034 per ounce

Palladium: $1,780 per ounce

Rhodium: $12,350 per ounce

There’s a minimal amount of these metals in your catalytic converter, but thieves target cars offering easy access to the part. With around 8.2 inches of ground clearance on the Lexus RX450h, thieves don’t have to try too hard to scoot underneath your car and cut off the catalytic converter.

On top of that, hybrid vehicles have a higher concentration of precious metals, making them even bigger targets for thieves.

Lexus catalytic converter replacement cost

Catalytic converter theft is a massive headache for a few reasons. The biggest is the cost of replacement.

For a Lexus RX450h, replacing a catalytic converter could run you anywhere between $4,100 and $4,250. This is much more expensive than average vehicles because hybrid catalytic converters are more valuable.

You may be able to opt for an aftermarket replacement part to lower your bill, but cats are expensive no matter what.

MORE:

How to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it

How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Lexus RX450h

As thieves become more desperate, it may be time to add a few extra protections to your Lexus RX450h. Here are a few anti-theft strategies you could implement.

Park in a secure area

Try to park your RX450h in a secure garage when possible, but a well-lit area with video surveillance can go a long way, too. You may want to install motion sensor lights in your driveway, as well.

Anything that makes it harder for a thief to hide in the shadows will add more protection to your vehicle.

MORE: How to tell if a parking garage is liable for a stolen or damaged vehicle

Buy a catalytic converter shield

To go the extra mile, you can invest in an anti-theft device like a catalytic converter shield. These usually come in the form of an aluminum plate or cage that directly covers your catalytic converter.

There aren’t very many on the market made specifically for

Lexus

models, but the

Cat Shield™ from MillerCAT

is a great place to start. Before you buy, though, make sure it will fit your exact model. Most of these devices are created for DIY installation, so you should be able to put them on yourself.

These types of devices won’t only impede thieves, but you may also be able to score a discount on your car insurance rate if you have one installed!

MORE:

The best anti-theft devices to keep your vehicle safe

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Put your VIN on the catalytic converter

Etching and tagging your catalytic converter with your VIN makes it nearly impossible to sell, so thieves are less likely to nab it. You can get this done at one of the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s etching events or a local muffler shop. Alternatively, the police may be able to do it for you.

MORE:

How to check and decode a Lexus VIN

Invest in comprehensive insurance

While an insurance policy isn’t likely to prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen, it’ll prevent you from shelling out four grand to replace it after the fact.

If you don’t have

comprehensive insurance

, you can’t file a claim for catalytic converter theft with your insurance company—which means you’ll have to cover the cost out of pocket. Of course, you should still take all of the safety precautions above, but it’s always wise to purchase insurance for the worst-case scenario.

What to do if your Lexus RX450h’s catalytic converter is stolen

If you find out your Lexus RX450h’s catalytic converter has been taken, you’ll first want to contact the authorities. They may be able to use security footage (if available) to help identify the thief.

If they can’t find the person responsible, they can at least file a police report for your second step: contacting your insurance company. If you have comprehensive coverage as part of your car insurance policy, you’ll be able to file a claim for theft so you can get started on the replacement process.

Your insurance provider will coordinate with you to get repairs scheduled. After you take care of your deductible, they’ll cover the rest of the replacement costs… which will likely be much more expensive than your deductible!

If you don’t have comprehensive insurance, you’ll have to pay for the replacement catalytic converter yourself. If you find a mechanic willing to use an aftermarket part, you could save on your repair costs.

MORE:

How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

Can you drive a Lexus RX450h without a catalytic converter?

If one or both of your Lexus catalytic converters have been stolen, don’t panic. While you will need to replace them ASAP, your car will work without them… for a while.

Without catalytic converters, your RX450h will fail emissions testing, so you’ll definitely need to get it replaced before your next testing deadline. Secondly, you’ll notice a distinct difference in your car’s performance, like rough acceleration and loud road noise.

Finally, releasing all those toxins into the atmosphere isn’t good for anybody. That’s why it’s crucial to get your RX450h catalytic converter replaced ASAP.