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Odometer history

Mileage check by VIN

Digital odometers can still be rolled back. NHTSA estimates that more than 450,000 vehicles are sold each year with false odometer readings. A mileage check lines up the odometer readings recorded at title transfers and auction sales so you can see whether the numbers only ever go up.

Check the mileage history

Free preview first: the vehicle, recalls for the model, and salvage-auction records.

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Where odometer readings come from

Mileage is recorded at many points in a car's life: when the title is transferred, when it's sold at auction, at emissions or safety inspections in some states, and at service visits. A vehicle history report collects the readings it can find and shows them in date order. A later reading that is lower than an earlier one is the classic sign of a rollback, or of a clerical error that's worth asking about.

Odometer disclosure rules

Federal law (the Truth in Mileage Act, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 327) makes it illegal to tamper with an odometer or misstate mileage, and requires the seller to disclose the mileage when ownership is transferred. Since January 1, 2021, vehicles from model year 2011 onward need a mileage disclosure for their first 20 years. Older vehicles past that window may be marked "exempt", which means no reading is recorded at that sale.

Warning signs of a rollback

  • A reading in the history that is lower than an earlier one
  • Wear that doesn't match the miles: shiny steering wheel, worn pedals or a sagging driver's seat on a "low-mile" car
  • Service stickers or records with higher mileage than the dashboard
  • Very low mileage for the age and type of vehicle, with little paperwork
  • Title marked "not actual mileage" or "exceeds mechanical limits"
A gap in the record isn't proof of fraud, and a clean record isn't proof of honesty. Readings are only as complete as the records filed. Use the history together with the car's condition and service paperwork.

What to do if the mileage looks wrong

  1. Ask the seller for service records showing mileage over time.
  2. Have a mechanic compare the wear with the claimed miles. Some can also read mileage stored in other control modules.
  3. If you've already bought the car, keep your documents and contact your state attorney general or the DMV. Federal law allows a civil claim for odometer fraud.

Frequently asked questions

Can I check a car's mileage by VIN?
Yes. The full report lists odometer readings recorded at title events and auction sales, in date order, with a check for readings that go down.
Can digital odometers be rolled back?
Yes. Tools that rewrite the reading are widely available, which is why comparing the recorded history matters.
Is the mileage check free?
The VIN preview is free. The full mileage history is in the full report, $19.99 one-time.