A recent case involving individuals tampering with odometers has prompted the NHTSA to suggest five ways consumers can protect against fraud when it comes to representing a vehicle’s mileage. The agency said two men from Mississippi have pled guilty in what’s described as a large-scale vehicle odometer rollback scheme.
“We will not tolerate the illegal practice of odometer tampering,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator Heidi King said. “NHTSA, the Department of Justice and state DOT partners are committed to bringing individuals that commit this crime to justice.”
Odometer fraud is the disconnection, resetting, or alteration of a vehicle’s odometer with the intent to change the number of miles indicated. NHTSA estimates that more than 450,000 vehicles are sold each year with false odometer readings.
- Ask to see the title. Compare the mileage on it with the vehicle’s odometer. Be sure to examine the title closely if the mileage notation seems obscured or is not easy to read.
- Doublecheck maintenance records. Digital odometers can be altered to display lower or false mileage. Compare the mileage on the odometer with the mileage indicated on the vehicle’s maintenance or inspection records. Also, you can look for oil change and maintenance stickers which may have odometer notations on them. These can be found on windows or door frames, in the glove box or under the hood.
- Examine the tires. If the odometer on your car shows 20,000 or less, it should have the original tires. Excessive wear is another indication that the mileage may not be correct.
- Obvious wear and tear. Inspect the pedals, worn edges on the gas, brake and clutch pedals could be an indication of high mileage. Overall vehicle wear including brakes, wipers and other moving parts should appear consistent with and appropriate for the number of miles shown on the odometer.
- Request a vehicle history report. These reports should be looked at closely to check for odometer discrepancies in the vehicle’s history. If the seller does not have a vehicle history report, use the car’s VIN to order a vehicle history report online.
If you suspect vehicle fraud, contact NHTSA or a local law enforcement agency.
