By Shay Trotter June 14, 2025
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There’s a lot to consider when buying a used vehicle to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. One concern that is becoming increasingly more common are rolled back odometers. In fact, the Wisconsin DOT Division of Motor Vehicles identified nearly 6,000 vehicles that had been tampered with in 2024, resulting in an estimated $36.5 million in fraud. Unfortunately, the problem is quite widespread and can impact anyone buying a car. Keep reading to learn more about when odometer rollback fraud often occurs, red flags to watch for and how to avoid becoming a victim of the scam.
What is odometer rollback?
Odometer rollback is when someone alters a vehicle’s odometer so that it displays a lower mileage than the mileage that has been driven. Though the shady practice certainly isn’t new, it’s becoming more prevalent during a time when many are struggling financially.
“Mileage impacts the value of a vehicle, and lower mileage vehicles are in high demand,” explains Lauren Fix, sector analyst and industry expert for The Car Coach & Car Smarts Brands. “Criminals have found a way to rollback odometers for financial advantage. This is more than a scam, it is illegal.”
Also complicating the issue is that most odometers in today’s vehicles are digital. This means that rolling back the odometer can be done just like hacking a computer, adds Fix, and it makes it a lot easier for criminals to go unnoticed.
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Where is odometer rollback fraud happening?
Though odometer rollback is illegal, it certainly hasn’t deterred fraudsters from engaging in the crime. It’s also an incredibly widespread problem around the U.S., putting used car buyers everywhere at risk of being scammed.
“The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that it happens 450,000 times a year, and the actual instance may be higher,” shares Sean Tucker, lead editor for Kelley Blue Book. “You can find lists online of states with the highest incidence of odometer fraud, but they closely mirror the states with the most cars. I don’t think it’s more common in one place than another, or with one type of vehicle.”
The method through which you purchase your used vehicle also isn’t a guarantee that you’ll be safe. Experts say that the rollback can happen with private sellers, smaller independent lots, wholesale auctions and even dealerships. Certain car markets are also more known to have these issues when it involves rare or high-demand vehicles.
“Cars that have been through multiple owners or crossed state lines are also riskier, just because the paper trail gets harder to follow,” adds Patrick Peterson, auto expert and team lead at GoodCar.com. “In a lot of reported cases, the vehicles were sold across state borders, where title history checks weren’t as strict or consistent.”
Signs that a vehicle’s odometer may have been rolled back
Because odometer rollback fraud can sometimes be sneaky, you may be wondering what signs you should look for when looking at a vehicle to buy. Here are some red flags that may stand out:
- Damage to the dashboard. “Tampering with the dashboard is often a sign (missing screws, bent plastic, etc.),” shares auto expert Amelia Dalgaard of MotorheadMama.com.
- Wear and tear on parts—both interior and exterior. “The tires, belts, hoses and shocks of a car that has driven 50,000 miles look different than those of a car that has driven 80,000 miles,” explains Tucker. “A mechanic can often estimate the mileage of a car from wear and tear.” Inside you may see worn-out seats, pedals or a faded steering wheel.
- Discrepancies in maintenance records. Failures to provide the records or something odd about the recorded mileage could be a red flag.
- A glitch in the display. “On newer cars, strange behavior from the electronic display, like flickering or resets, might hint at tampering,” says Peterson.
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How to protect yourself from odometer rollback fraud
Buying a car with an odometer that has been illegally rolled back can lead to unexpected repairs, potential insurance issues, lower resale value and more. To help avoid becoming a victim of this type of vehicle fraud, there are steps you can take to protect your finances.
1. Get a vehicle history report.
This can be done by requesting one from the seller, purchasing from a company like Carfax or AutoCheck or accessing a free report through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) website.
“Not only can you cross-check the mileage for signs of odometer manipulation, but you’ll also get to see its accident history, ownership info, service records and more,” shares Fix. “Any discrepancy should set off your internal alarm system.”
2. Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle.
This is a good idea even when working with a dealership. The mechanic may catch something that could go undetected by you or another future buyer.
“Sellers should be comfortable with that as part of the process,” says Tucker. “If you encounter a seller who is resistant to a pre-sale inspection, that’s all the information you need to know it’s time to walk away.”
3. Research the car’s estimated resale value online.
You want to make sure that the advertised price for the vehicle is a good match for a car of that year, make and model.
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“Sometimes sellers will try to con shoppers by putting ridiculously low price tags on cars with rolled-back mileage,” adds Fix. “Search online for the vehicle’s estimated resale value to see if it matches the sticker; if it doesn’t, you should be cautious.
4. Trust your gut.
If you notice any of the potential signs of odometer rollback fraud, it’s okay to be cautious and ask questions. A trustworthy seller will be happy to answer any concerns you have and won’t make false claims like saying a clearly worn car has been “barely driven.”
“Don’t bow under pressure,” advises Dalgaard. “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
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