Toyotas are often targeted by thieves for their catalytic converters, including the rugged Toyota Sequoia. With two catalytic converters on the underside of this high-riding SUV, the Sequoia can be an easy target for thieves. You can install anti-theft shields and/or have your vehicle identification number (VIN) etched onto the Sequoia’s catalytic converters to protect your Sequoia from this form of

car theft

If you’re concerned that crafty thieves will leave your Toyota Sequoia catalytic converter-less, then this is a good article to get you on the road to thief-proofing your SUV. This handy guide will go over how to prevent catalytic converter theft, what to do if your Sequoia’s converters are stolen, and what kind of

car insurance

will cover you if this happens.

MORE:

How to save on Toyota Sequoia car insurance costs

Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Toyota Sequoia?

Sadly, yes—there are a few reasons why stealing the catalytic converters from underneath a Toyota Sequoia is relatively easy. On the 2nd generation Sequoias (2008 - 2022), both catalytic converters are relatively exposed, located near the front of the vehicle, with one on the driver’s side and one on the passenger side.

While a thief might have to jack the average vehicle up to steal a catalytic converter, the Toyota Sequoia’s ground clearance of 10 inches makes it easy for thieves to slide beneath the Sequoia and cut the catalytic converters right out from underneath it.

Other full-size Toyota vehicles, such as the

Toyota Tundra

Toyota Tacoma

, and

Toyota 4Runner

, as well as other competing rigs such as the

Chevrolet Silverado

and

Ford F-Series

trucks, are popular targets for just this reason.

Top Toyota Sequoia years that catalytic converter thieves target

The first generations of Toyota Sequoia from 2000 to 2008 are the most targeted models for catalytic converter theft due to how easily accessible this part is. That said, newer Sequoias are also targeted by catalytic converter thieves.

MORE:

Cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves

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Why are Toyota Sequoia catalytic converters stolen?

Catalytic converters, which help filter out pollutants from your vehicle’s emissions, are stolen because they contain trace amounts of precious metals such as palladium, platinum, and rhodium. In the past few years, the prices of these precious metals have gone up considerably, making catalytic converters a prized part for thieves to seek out.

The value of a catalytic converter will depend on the year and the model of the vehicle it's taken from. On average, catalytic converters can be sold for scrap for anywhere between $75 to $700. Depending on the market for the precious metals inside them, prices for a Toyota catalytic converter can vary significantly.

Toyota Sequoia catalytic converter replacement cost

If you have to replace a stolen catalytic converter, or more than one, it’ll cost you—according to RepairPal, the cost to replace a Sequoia’s catalytic converter can run from between $3,700 to $3,800, including parts and labor. You might be able to find aftermarket catalytic converters for slightly cheaper but it will still cost you a pretty penny to replace them when all is said and done.

MORE:

How to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it

How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Toyota Sequoia

As the Sequoia has been known to be a target for catalytic converter theft, there are a few steps you can take to safeguard your rig against such rapacious catalytic converter bandits.

Park in a secure area

If you can, park your Sequoia in a well-lit and private parking garage, preferably one with closed-circuit video surveillance.

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

Buy a catalytic converter shield

If you don’t have a secure garage where you can regularly park your Sequoia, you might want to look into buying a catalytic converter shield, which essentially is an aluminum plate or cage that covers or surrounds your catalytic converter.

Not sure where to start? Give these two products a once-over:

Cat Shield™ from MILLERCAT

is a well-regarded catalytic converter shield

Cat Security™

sells several highly-rated protective covers

You can also check Amazon to see what other kinds of catalytic converter shields are on the market. Be sure to read the reviews and check that whatever shield you’re looking at is compatible with your vehicle.

Most shields built to protect a catalytic converter are designed to be quickly and easily installed. Some come with the bolts and tools you’ll need to install the shield or protective cover yourself. If you aren’t handy, you can always get a trusted mechanic to do the installation for you.

A shield to protect your catalytic converter can deter most thieves. Also, your insurer will likely show their appreciation for your effort to protect your vehicle by offering you a discount on your

comprehensive insurance

MORE:

The best anti-theft devices to keep your vehicle safe

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Put your VIN on the catalytic converter

Etching your vehicle identification number (VIN) onto your catalytic converter makes it worthless to thieves—with a VIN etched onto it, a catalytic converter can’t be sold on the black market!

If you’re lucky, you can pilot your Sequoia over to one of the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s etching events, where the service can be done quickly and easily. If you can’t attend an etch-a-thon, take your Sequoia to a reputable muffler shop, where you can get your Sequoia's cats etched real quick.

MORE: How to check and decode a Toyota VIN

Invest in comprehensive insurance

Trust us—no thief worth their salt will be shaking in their booties due to you having a comprehensive insurance policy. That said, if they do steal your catalytic converter, that comprehensive policy will pay for the replacement of your catalytic converts—not you. Sure, you might have to pay a

comprehensive deductible

, but that will likely pale in comparison to what it’ll cost to replace one or more catalytic converters.

What to do if your Toyota Sequoia catalytic converter is stolen

If you realize your catalytic converters have been ripped off your Toyota Sequoia, the first thing to do is call the police. If there was security footage in the area where the SUV was vandalized, police may be able to use that footage to track down the thief.

Even if the police can’t track down that nasty law-breaker, they will still file a report. This will be very helpful if you have comprehensive coverage and want to file a car insurance claim. This can be a game changer since replacing catalytic converters on a Toyota Sequoia can cost several thousand dollars.

If your claim is approved, your insurer will work with a mechanic to ensure new catalytic converters are added to your Sequoia, and most of those replacement costs will be covered. As mentioned, you may have to pay a deductible, but that cost is peanuts compared to what you’d have to pay to replace a few cats out of your pocket.

MORE:

How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

Can you drive a Toyota Tundra without a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converters are essential to removing harmful toxins from your vehicle to ensure they don’t get emitted into the atmosphere. So while yes, you can drive a Sequoia without a catalytic converter, doing so kind of kills the planet—not to mention you might have to deal with rougher acceleration and more engine and road noise.

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