What is Odometer Fraud?
Odometer fraud, also known as "clocking" or "busting miles," is the illegal practice of disconnecting, resetting, or altering a vehicle's odometer to show fewer miles than the car has actually driven. This deceptive practice cheats buyers out of billions of dollars every year.
According to NHTSA, more than 450,000 vehicles with tampered odometers are sold annually in the United States, costing consumers over $1 billion in fraudulent transactions.
Warning Signs of Odometer Tampering
Worn Pedals & Interior
Excessive wear on brake/gas pedals, steering wheel, or seats inconsistent with low mileage.
Misaligned Odometer Digits
Numbers that don't line up properly or appear crooked on analog odometers.
Missing Service Records
Gaps in maintenance history or missing service stickers that typically record mileage.
Too Good to Be True Pricing
A car priced significantly below market value for its supposed mileage.
Scratches on Dashboard
Signs of tampering around the instrument cluster or odometer housing.
Title History Discrepancies
Mileage that doesn't match previous title records or registration history.
How to Protect Yourself from Odometer Fraud
Get a Vehicle History Report
A comprehensive vehicle history report shows odometer readings from every title transfer, inspection, and service record. This creates a mileage timeline that reveals any rollbacks.
Check Title for "Exempt" Status
Some states allow "exempt" odometer disclosures for older vehicles. Be extra cautious with these as they're more susceptible to fraud.
Physical Inspection
Look for wear patterns that don't match the claimed mileage. A car with 30,000 miles shouldn't have heavily worn pedals or a shiny steering wheel.
Request Service Records
Ask for maintenance records from dealerships or repair shops. These often include mileage at time of service and can reveal discrepancies.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Get a complete vehicle history report to see every odometer reading on record. Protect yourself from mileage fraud before you buy.