UK consumers are losing over £1.2 billion annually to odometer fraud, according to new research.

It highlights the widespread and costly nature of mileage tampering in the used car market.

The analysis, carried out by vehicle history checking service CarVertical, found that buyers are paying, on average, nearly 49% more for vehicles with falsified mileage readings.

Numbers

Odometer fraud or ‘clocking’—where a vehicle’s mileage is illegally reduced to make it appear less used—is not only misleading buyers, but inflating used car prices significantly.

A car listed at £20,000 with a tampered odometer may actually be worth closer to £10,000, the study warns.

The financial impact increases with the price of the vehicle, meaning higher-end models often carry even greater losses.

The UK is among the worst affected nations in Europe, with drivers in Western countries like France, Germany, and Italy also facing significant financial risks.

France is estimated to lose £1 billion per year due to odometer fraud, while Germany loses £900 million, and Italy approximately £400 million.

Across 17 European countries included in the study, the total economic impact is estimated at £4.5 billion annually.

However, with many cases going undetected, the true cost is likely even higher.

Four plus four is three

“It’s no secret that buyers prefer cars with lower mileage. Unfortunately, this makes them prime targets for fraud,” said Matas Buzelis, an automotive market specialist at CarVertical. “When the mileage is rolled back, it creates the illusion of a better car condition than it actually is. Fraudsters target both economy and premium vehicles.”

The findings highlight a stark contrast between perceptions and realities in the used car market.

Lower mileage cars typically command higher prices and are perceived to be in better condition and less likely to require repairs.

However, odometer tampering not only misrepresents the car’s value but also potentially hides serious maintenance issues that come with higher-mileage vehicles.

It looks so good

The difficulty in proving odometer fraud stems largely from a lack of digitised vehicle records and poor data sharing between countries.

In many cases, mileage inconsistencies only come to light when a buyer chooses to invest in a comprehensive vehicle history report—a step that remains optional and often overlooked.

“Historical mileage records are essential for confirming the true condition of a used vehicle,” Buzelis said. “Without better data infrastructure and cross-border cooperation, odometer fraud will remain easy to hide.”

Despite the scale of the problem, action at a government level remains limited.

While some progress has been made with digital MOT history checks and more sophisticated vehicle reporting tools in the UK, CarVertical warns that more must be done to protect consumers.

“In many cases, if the mileage has been falsified, the car may also have other hidden issues,” Buzelis cautioned. “This is extremely important in the context of global decision makers lacking leadership in buyer protection.”

In black and white

The study evaluated data from vehicle history reports purchased in 2024, focusing on used vehicles manufactured from 2005 to 2024.

By comparing the value of cars with accurate mileage to those with falsified readings, CarVertical was able to calculate the financial cost of fraud across various markets.

As used car sales continue to rise amid ongoing demand and supply challenges, the RAC and other motoring bodies are urging buyers to be vigilant.

Experts recommend always checking a vehicle’s history through official databases and reputable services, especially when a deal appears too good to be true.