How Can I Tell if My Car’s Odometer Has Been Tampered With?

Odometer fraud is a serious issue that can leave unsuspecting buyers with vehicles far less valuable and reliable than they appear. By artificially rolling back mileage, sellers can inflate the vehicle’s worth, leading to overpayments and potentially dangerous mechanical failures. At The Liblang Law Firm P.C., we’ve seen the costly consequences of odometer tampering. Understanding how to identify and address odometer fraud is critical—not just for protecting your financial investment but also for ensuring your safety on the road.

If you suspect you’ve been a victim of odometer fraud, knowing your legal options can help you recover your losses. Below, we outline how to spot the signs of tampering and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

Signs of Odometer Tampering

Be on the lookout for these common indicators of odometer fraud:

1. Unusually low mileage for the vehicle’s age 
2. Wear and tear inconsistent with mileage 
3. Discrepancies in service records or CARFAX reports 
4. Electrical issues or dashboard tampering 
5. Suspiciously low price for the model and condition 

Now, let’s explore these points in greater detail.

How to Detect Odometer Fraud

1. Mileage Doesn’t Match the Age of the Vehicle

Most vehicles average between 10,000 and 15,000 miles per year. If a five-year-old car has mileage that’s disproportionately low, such as 20,000 miles, it’s worth investigating further. Consider whether the general wear and condition of the vehicle align with its reported mileage.

2. Unusual Wear and Tear

Examine the car’s interior and exterior carefully. Excessively worn seats, a faded steering wheel or heavily used pedals are strong indicators of significant mileage. If these signs don’t correspond to the odometer reading, fraud could be in play. Tires are another clue; excessive tread wear often points to extended use not reflected on the odometer.

3. Service Records and Vehicle History Reports

Check the service records or purchase a vehicle history report through a trusted database, such as CARFAX. Service intervals, mileage logged at previous sales and maintenance receipts should show a consistent timeline. If gaps or irregularities exist, the seller may have attempted to cover their tracks.

4. Evidence of Tampering on the Dashboard

Physical tampering is one of the clearest signs. Look for loose or misaligned screws around the dashboard or fingerprint marks on the instrument cluster. With digital odometers, tampering often requires accessing the circuit board, which may cause related electrical issues, such as flickering lights or malfunctioning displays.

5. Too Good to Be True Pricing

If a vehicle’s price seems much lower than fair market value, this could be a red flag. Sometimes, sellers lower the price of tampered vehicles to entice buyers who may overlook other suspicious signs. Don’t hesitate to research similar models to verify appropriate pricing.

What to Do if You Suspect Fraud

If you suspect odometer tampering, act quickly. Insist on a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic who can evaluate the car’s true condition and identify telltale signs of fraud. You should also report suspected tampering to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or law enforcement agency. Finally, seek legal guidance to explore your rights and potential remedies.

At The Liblang Law Firm P.C., protecting consumers is our top priority. If you’ve unknowingly purchased a vehicle with a tampered odometer, you deserve justice and compensation. Contact us today for a free case review, and we’ll help you take the next steps to resolve your case and hold fraudulent sellers accountable. Misrepresentation has no place on the road—trust us to fight for your rights.