How to Prevent Nissan Versa Catalytic Converter Theft
Here’s what you need to know about Versa catalytic converter theft and how to prevent it.
Written by Mariza Morin
Reviewed by Julian de Sevilla
Even though the Nissan Versa isn’t a major target for catalytic converter theft, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the necessary precautions to prevent this valuable part from being stolen like purchasing a protective shield for your catalytic converter.
If you’re concerned about thieves coming after your catalytic converter, or you just had it stolen from your Nissan Versa, we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll explore ways how you can ward off catalytic converter theft and what to do if it gets stolen, along with the type of
car insurance
required for your compact sedan to cover replacement costs. Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds (Title in payload)
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversIs it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Nissan Versa?
No. While many vehicles have unfortunately made it to the list of
cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves
—Nissans are considered least at-risk, including the Nissan Versa. Compact vehicles, like the Versa with only 6.8 inches of ground clearance, are rare victims of catalytic converter theft due to the car’s low proximity to the ground. On the other hand, full-size pickup trucks, like
Ford F-Series
or Chevy Silverado
, are major targets because catalytic converter thieves can easily roll underneath these heavy-duty trucks—usually with over 8 inches of ground clearance—to steal their cats. Why are Nissan Versa catalytic converters stolen?
Since 2013, Nissan has used a three-way catalyst in their Versa sedans. It’s an emission control device installed in the exhaust system that helps reduce harmful pollutants from going out into the world. Exhaust gasses are converted through the catalyst, which is made up of precious metals like palladium and platinum. Over the years, the value of these metals has greatly increased—as has the rate of catalytic converter theft.
Nissan catalytic converter replacement cost
While catalytic converter theft is rare in Nissan models, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. And if you do need to replace it, it’ll run you between $1,921 and $1,947 to replace a Nissan Versa catalytic converter. To save a few bucks, you could opt for an aftermarket replacement, but these parts still aren’t the cheapest and you also have to consider intensive labor costs too.
How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Nissan Versa
Catalytic converter theft may not be common in the Nissan Versa, but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Here are a few anti-theft strategies to protect your catalyst:
Park in a secure area
This is good advice even if you’re not concerned about catalytic converter theft! It’s always a good idea to park your Versa in a secure area like a garage or lit area with motion sensor lights and/or video surveillance. The more you can put a potential thief on full display for you or your neighbors to see, the less likely they will mess with your Versa.
MORE: How to tell if a parking garage is liable for a stolen or damaged vehicle
Buy a catalytic converter shield
If your catalytic converter didn’t already come with a protective shield, then you should think about investing in a catalytic converter anti-theft shield. These anti-theft devices are generally made up of an aluminum plate or cage that specifically covers your catalytic converter.
Need some suggestions? You can purchase a
genuine OEM converter shield
from Nissan, or you can also buy a catalytic converter protection device from Cat Security™
. Just make sure it fits your exact model properly before you try to install it, and don’t forget to ask your insurance company if you qualify for a discount on your coverage for using an anti-theft device such as a catalytic converter anti-theft shield!Put your VIN on the catalytic converter
If you don’t want your catalytic converter ending up on the black market, then etch or tag your Versa’s VIN on it to prevent a potential theft! You can take advantage of the regular catalytic converter etching events promoted by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) or also go to a local muffler shop to get your catalytic converter tagged.
Invest in comprehensive insurance
We’re not saying
comprehensive insurance
will stop a catalytic converter theft from occurring, but it will put you at less of a financial risk if your Versa cat gets stolen. With comprehensive coverage, you can simply file a claim for catalytic converter theft and not have to worry about paying out-of-pocket costs to replace your three-way catalyst. What to do if your Nissan Versa’s catalytic converter is stolen
If you have comprehensive insurance, you can file a claim for theft and not have to worry about replacement costs that would otherwise potentially cost you thousands of dollars out of your pockets!
Once you file a claim with your insurance company, your agent will work with you to schedule repairs with a professional mechanic. Expect to pay a deductible at the very least, but it will be much lower than paying the full cost of catalytic converter replacement that your insurance provider will cover. If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, look for a mechanic that will use aftermarket parts to save on expensive replacement costs.
Can you drive a Nissan Versa without a catalytic converter?
While you technically can drive your Nissan Versa without a catalytic converter—you shouldn’t.
First off, you won’t be able to pass an emissions test if you’re missing this important emission control device. Not only would this be bad for the environment, but you’ll also start to experience more road noise and rough acceleration as you move forward! Basically, driving your Versa with a catalytic converter isn’t good for you or the world at large.
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