Odometer Fraud: NHTSA
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. This crime costs American car buyers more than $1 billion annually. We want consumers to know how to spot odometer fraud, how to protect against it, and who to contact if you think you’re a victim of this illegal behavior.
Protecting Against Odometer Fraud
The Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation consists of four regional offices: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, and Western. Each office is staffed with a criminal investigator and administrative support. The office is tasked with reducing the cost of vehicle ownership by deterring odometer fraud according to federal laws and requirements.
How to Protect Against Odometer Fraud
It can be difficult, but not impossible, to detect whether a vehicle’s odometer has been altered. The following is a list of tips to help used-car buyers detect odometer fraud:
Ask to see the title and 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.
Compare the mileage on the odometer with the mileage indicated on the vehicle’s maintenance or inspection records. Also, search for oil change and maintenance stickers 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.
Look at the wear and tear on the vehicle—especially the gas, brake and clutch pedals—to be sure it seems consistent with and appropriate for the number of miles displayed on the odometer.
Request a vehicle history report 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 fraud, contact your state’s enforcement agency.
How to Contact Us
Do you need to report a large-scale odometer fraud scheme? Contact NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY for individuals with hearing impairments: 888-275-9171).
Do you need to file an individual odometer fraud case? Contact your state enforcement agency.
You may also contact the Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation at the following address: Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation, U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA, Room W55-301, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, 20590.
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