Most 1975 and newer passenger cars and 1975 through 1978 light-duty trucks with a manufacturer's GVW of 6,000 pounds or less were originally equipped with a catalytic converter. Some passenger cars were not originally equipped with a converter until later model years, and 1979 and newer light-duty trucks with a manufacturer's GVW of 8,501 pounds or more may not have been originally equipped with a catalytic converter. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Program for Converter Replacement. If a vehicle is less than 5 model years old and has been driven less than 50,000 miles, any catalytic converter shall be replaced with OEM equipment. If a vehicle is more than 5 model years old or has been driven more than 50,000 miles, an EPA-approved new after market catalytic converter designed for the vehicle may be installed on the vehicle. An approved, reconditioned (used) catalytic converter may be installed provided the catalytic converter is an original type for the vehicle and has been certified by an EPA-approved testing facility.