Odometer Tampering or “Clocking”

Both electronic and mechanical odometers can be rolled back. Lower mileage raises a used vehicle's price, which gives dishonest sellers a reason to roll back odometers.

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Fleet and Lease-Return Cars at Risk

Leasing mileage surcharges and high-mileage fleet cars are big factors in the problem. Many people assume 10,000 to 12,000 miles per year is normal use. Fleet vehicles often accumulate miles much faster than personal vehicles. There is a big incentive to try to pass off these late-model high-mileage cars as having many less miles than they actually do. Other common culprits are individuals trying to avoid excess-mileage penalties at the end of their leases.

Vehicles imported from Canada may have odometers that read in kilometers, which can lead to errors on title documents.

Odometer Tampering Hurts Consumers

NHTSA estimates that more than 450,000 vehicles are sold each year with false odometer readings, costing consumers more than $1 billion a year. Years may pass before the victim realizes their car's odometer has been set back.

Costs to Odometer Fraud Victims

• A victim of odometer fraud pays more for the car, including higher taxes, financing, and insurance.
• The car breaks down more. The parts are worn more than expected. The consumer spends more on repairs.
• The car’s resale value is lower. Who wants a worn-out car?

We Can Help

The average person is unlikely to be able to detect if the odometer has been fraudulently spun back. An appraisal relies on the mileage and records you provide. If service records, title documents, or history reports show mileage that does not add up, we note it in the report. Report suspected odometer fraud to your state’s motor vehicle agency or attorney general.