Tampering With An Odometer Is A Federal Crime
August 2, 2008
Used car buyers factor in a vehicle’s mileage when they’re deciding the condition and value of the used vehicle. Odometer readings and disclosures are therefore a very important part in determining a vehicle’s condition and value.
For these two reasons, both federal and state law prohibits both odometer tampering, and also false mileage disclosures. Federal law stipulates that all vehicle sellers will include and certify an odometer disclosure statement that clearly states the following:
(a) the vehicles odometer reading reflects the actual mileage,
(b) the odometer reflects the amount of miles beyond the mechanical limit of the odometer, or
(c) the odometer is not showing the correct mileage.
In the past there was a rolling back of odometer readings or other methods of modifying the display. Used vehicle dealers, unconcerned about integrity, may also ignore evidence of discrepancies in a vehicle’s history. The vehicles repaired history or its title history may show inconsistencies yet be purposely overlooked.
One example would be where the mileage drops during one calendar year. That’s pretty much a give away that something is going on. In other cases, the seller may notice that the odometer has been tampered with by seeing missing screws or scratch marks on the odometer casing.
Evidence like this should put the seller on alert and start an investigation into the vehicle’s history to check on the odometer readings. If the seller fails to investigate this than he is not certifying that the odometer is reflecting the actual mileage.
Buyers concerned about potential odometer inaccuracy can use Carfax, Autocheck, and other such reports to see if there are odometer discrepancies in a vehicle’s history. However, these types of reports are not always complete. In addition, some repair facilities and specialty garages inspect vehicles for odometer tampering.
If it turns out that the seller does mess with the odometer or that he doesn’t provide airtight odometer disclosures, use really looking for trouble, because federal law has serious penalties for such violators. Keep in mind though that federal laws regarding odometer tampering does not apply to vehicles that are more than 10 years old.
Comments
Got something to say?