In some cases, buyers later come to find that the vehicle they trusted has a history that was not fully disclosed, particularly when it comes to mileage. One of the more troubling examples of this is odometer rollback. If you are dealing with a situation where something about your vehicle’s mileage does not seem quite right, our firm is here to help. Continue reading and reach out to the New Mexico car dealer fraud lawyers at Feferman, Warren & Mattison to learn more about the most common signs of odometer rollback and how our legal team can help if you’re a victim. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What Is Odometer Rollback and Why Does It Matter?

Odometer rollback occurs when a seller intentionally alters a vehicle’s mileage to make it appear that the car has been driven less than it actually has. While this may sound like a relatively small change on paper, the reality is that mileage is one of the biggest factors in determining a vehicle’s value, reliability, and overall condition. Because of this, odometer fraud can have several real consequences, such as the following:

  • You may unknowingly pay far more than the vehicle is truly worth
  • The car may begin experiencing mechanical issues much sooner than expected
  • Important maintenance and warranty milestones may have already passed without your knowledge
  • Safety concerns may arise due to undisclosed wear and tear

Even though many vehicles now use digital odometers, this type of fraud has not disappeared. Instead, it has evolved, and in many cases, it is carried out through electronic manipulation or inconsistent documentation, which can make it harder to immediately detect.

What Are the Most Common Signs of Odometer Rollback?

In many situations, there is no single, obvious indicator that tells you a vehicle’s mileage has been altered. Instead, it is usually a matter of noticing inconsistencies and asking the right questions. If something feels off, it is often worth taking a closer look. Some of the most common warning signs are as follows:

  • The mileage appears unusually low when compared to the vehicle’s age
  • Service or maintenance records reflect higher mileage than what is currently displayed
  • The vehicle history report contains gaps, inconsistencies, or missing entries
  • The interior of the vehicle shows more wear than expected, especially on pedals, seats, or the steering wheel
  • Documentation provided by the seller seems incomplete, altered, or unclear
  • The title contains irregularities or does not clearly state mileage

What Should You Do If You Suspect Odometer Fraud?

Realizing that you may have purchased a vehicle under false pretenses can be frustrating, especially when you have already committed your time and money to the purchase. Still, there are steps you can take that may help you better understand your situation and protect your interests moving forward. If you believe odometer rollback may have occurred, you should take the following steps:

  • Gather all documentation related to the purchase, including contracts, advertisements, and any communications with the seller
  • Obtain a vehicle history report to compare past mileage readings
  • Hold off on making additional financial decisions regarding the vehicle until you have more clarity
  • Speak with an experienced New Mexico consumer fraud attorney who can assess your case

Both federal and state laws are in place to protect consumers from odometer tampering, and in many cases, victims may be entitled to recover financial damages. That being said, every situation is different, which is why it is often beneficial to have a knowledgeable legal professional review the facts of your case.

Feferman, Warren & Mattison is here to help. Contact us today so we can help you get the justice you deserve.