Prius Catalytic Converter Replacement and Theft Protection
Started your Prius and it sounded like a race car? Your catalytic converter was probably stolen. We replace it with a California-legal OEM converter and bolt on a CAT Defender shield so it does not happen again.
- 10+ years, 5,000+ hybrids fixed
- 4.9-star Google rating
- Free code scan
- Independent, not a dealer
Catalytic converter services
Replacement after a theft, and protection before one.
Stolen converter replacement
Cut pipes repaired and a new converter installed so the car is quiet, legal and smog-ready again.
CARB-legal OEM converters
California-legal OEM catalytic converters only, no cheap parts that fail smog.
Oxygen sensors
OEM O2 sensors replaced as needed so the check-engine light stays off.
CAT Defender shield
A bolt-on metal shield that makes your converter a far harder target, $350 installed.
Insurance paperwork
Itemized invoice and photos for your insurance claim.
Fast turnaround
Converter replacements are usually done quickly once parts are in hand.
Catalytic converter pricing
Protection is a fraction of the cost of replacement.
Theft protection
- $350 CAT Defender shield, 2004-2015 Prius
Installed. Covers the converter with a bolted metal shield.
Theft replacement
- Quote OEM CA-legal catalytic converter
- Quote OEM oxygen sensor
- Quote Converter plus CAT Defender package
Converter prices change with metal prices, so call for today's number.
Every replacement includes a written quote before work starts.
Protect it before it is gone
A stolen converter can cost thousands to replace, and some cars get hit twice. The CAT Defender bolts over the converter with security hardware, turning a two-minute job into one most thieves will skip.
If your Prius parks on the street, in an apartment lot or at work all day, the shield pays for itself the first time someone crawls under your car and moves on.
How it works
1. Call or request a quote
Call (858) 539-5404 or send the form below with your year, model and what the car is doing.
2. Free scan, written quote
We scan the car, test what needs testing and give you a price in writing before any work.
3. Fixed and warrantied
Most hybrid battery jobs are done the same day, and every repair comes with a written warranty.
What drivers say
4.9 stars on Google. Read more reviews
Highly recommended if you own a prius. P1121 code fixed same day half the price of the dealership. OEM part with lifetime warranty. Staff is very professional and honest. Super smooth transaction.
These guys are great. They answered my call on a day when they weren't even open. I drove over to them and they had me with a new battery within 10mins. Very happy with this service and would highly recommend them to anyone.
Catalytic converter questions
Why are Prius catalytic converters stolen so often?
Hybrid catalytic converters contain more precious metals because the gas engine runs less and cooler, and the Prius sits high enough that a thief can cut one out in a couple of minutes. That makes the Prius one of the most targeted cars for converter theft.
How do I know my catalytic converter was stolen?
The car suddenly sounds very loud, like a race car, when the gas engine starts, and you may see a check-engine light. If you look underneath, you will see cut exhaust pipe where the converter used to be.
Is it legal to drive without a catalytic converter in California?
No. It is illegal to drive without one in California, the car will fail smog, and exhaust fumes can get into the cabin. Get it replaced as soon as you can.
What is a CAT Defender?
A CAT Defender is a metal shield bolted under the car that covers the catalytic converter, making it much harder and slower to steal. We install it for $350 on 2004-2015 Prius models.
Do you use California-legal converters?
Yes. We install OEM, California (CARB) legal catalytic converters and replace the oxygen sensors as needed so the car passes smog. Call for current pricing.
Related services: Hybrid Repair | Hybrid Battery Replacement | Hybrid & EV Maintenance | All services
Get your Prius looked at
Call (858) 539-5404 or send the quote form. Tell us the year, model and what the car is doing, and we will tell you what it most likely needs and what it will cost.
San Diego shop
1155 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110
Bay Park, right off I-5 and I-8
Get directions
Riverside & Inland Empire
Our Riverside team serves Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley, Jurupa Valley, Norco and Eastvale, including mobile hybrid battery service. Call to book.
Request a quote
We usually reply the same business day.