How Many Catalytic Converters Are In a Toyota Tundra?

Catalytic converters are components attached to a vehicle’s exhaust system that convert HC, CO, and NOx to CO2.

Truck catalytic converters are quite valuable, typically costing anywhere between $100 for an aftermarket cat con to $1,000 or more for an OEM, which sometimes must be purchased as part of a larger exhaust system component. Even used cat cons are valuable and are often stolen from trucks and SUVs to scrap metal recyclers because they contain rare metals like palladium, rhodium, and platinum.

But how many catalytic converters does a truck have? It depends on the vehicle’s engine. Larger engines with dual exhausts tend to have at least two catalytic converters.

The number of catalytic converters in a Toyota Tundra varies depending on the generation. Like all first-generation Toyota Tundras, the 2005 Toyota Tundra has two catalytic converters. The second-generation Tundra made from 2007 to 2021 has four catalytic converters. Meanwhile, the latest third-generation Tundra made from 2022 onwards also has four catalytic converters.

Toyota Tundra Catalytic Converter Locations

The first-generation Tundra’s converters are located in the middle of the vehicle, directly under the front doors. This Tundra has two exhaust pipes, so each pipe has a catalytic converter. This generation’s catalytic converter is completely exposed and easy to steal.

The second-generation Tundra’s four catalytic converters are positioned in a similar manner. However, each pipe has two catalytic converters mounted in succession. Like the first-gen Tundra, these catalytic converters are exposed and easy to steal.

Toyota made substantial changes in the third-generation Tundras due to the rise in catalytic converter theft. The two primary catalytic converters are pushed closer into the engine, making theft quite difficult.

In the 2024 Tundra, Toyota designed the catalytic converters as a system, with the front two catalytic converters working in tandem with the two at the rear. They’re also sold as a system. Hence, if one catalytic converter at the rear gets stolen, you’ll have to replace the entire system.

Why Thieves Target the Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra is an easy target for thieves because its high ground clearance allows thieves to gain access to the truck’s undercarriage without a jack. Additionally, removing the catalytic converter is fairly simple, requiring only a grinder to cut out the pipes that hold the catalytic converter in place. An experienced thief can achieve this task in as fast as 30 seconds with a battery-powered grinder.

How To Protect Your Tundra’s Catalytic Converter

The best way to protect your Tundra’s catalytic converter is to park it at a safe location, such as a garage. If you live in an area with reported thefts and park in an exposed location, then perhaps your best course of action is to install catalytic converter theft guards, which are housings that protect the catalytic converter. This housing acts as a barrier, preventing thieves from cutting the catalytic converter from the pipe. Some companies make easy-to-install theft guards specifically for the Toyota Tundra.

You can also etch your vehicle’s vehicle identification number (VIN) on your catalytic converter. This allows law enforcement to trace your catalytic converter if it’s been stolen. If the catalytic converter is traced, it also means police can prosecute the thieves. Some police departments have anti-theft programs where they’ll etch your vehicle’s VIN on your vehicle’s catalytic converter for free.

Can You Drive Your Toyota Tundra Without a Catalytic Converter?

Driving without a catalytic converter is illegal. People do occasionally remove their vehicle’s catalytic converter to amplify their vehicle’s sound, but they can be subject to fines if they get caught by local law enforcement.

Can Insurance Cover Catalytic Converter Theft?

Insurance usually covers the damages if you have comprehensive coverage.

How Much Does a Replacement Toyota Tundra Catalytic Converter Cost?

Catalytic converters are expensive. The four catalytic converters installed in a Toyota Tundra cost $6,000 to $7,000. Sometimes, the catalytic converter isn’t readily available at the dealership. Hence, you’ll need to wait around 3 to 6 months for the parts to arrive.