SEATTLE — Buying a used car presents numerous risks for consumers. The vehicle could have hidden flaws—such as accident or flood damage—or a tampered odometer.
Digital dashboards should have reduced odometer fraud. But criminals have adapted, and their ability to edit vehicles’ mileage displays remains “a serious and growing concern for used car buyers,” according to Carfax.
Based on an analysis of its vehicle history reports, Carfax found what it calls an “alarming spike” in odometer fraud in 2025.
The company estimates that about 2.45 million cars on U.S. roads may have rolled-back odometers—a 14 percent increase from 2024.
In Washington state, Carfax saw a 17 percent increase in odometer fraud from 2024 to 2025.
The company estimates that around 37,000 vehicles on the road in our state may have had their odometers rolled back.
Odometer Fraud Drives Up Prices
Lower-mileage used…
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