Mileage fraud, commonly known as car clocking, is once again a headline concern for UK motorists in 2025. With new data exposing the true scale of the problem, it’s essential for anyone buying a used car to be aware of this hidden risk—not just to their wallet, but to their safety.
What is Mileage Fraud?
Mileage fraud is the deliberate tampering of a car’s odometer to make it appear as though the vehicle has traveled fewer miles than it actually has. This manipulation is carried out to inflate the resale value of a vehicle, evade dealership or lease penalties, or sometimes mask the effects of wear and tear. While changing your own car’s mileage isn’t illegal in the UK, selling a vehicle with undisclosed mileage discrepancies most certainly is.
Is Mileage Fraud on the Rise?
Recent reports suggest the issue is not just persisting—it may be increasing:
- Over 160,000 used cars are projected to be sold with incorrect mileage in the UK this year alone.
- Data from CarVertical, a trusted history check provider, indicates that 2.1% of the UK’s used car market—roughly 160,000 vehicles each year—are suspected to have been “clocked”.
- The figures are comparable to the broader European picture, but the UK is lower due to a more closed car market. Nevertheless, the financial impact on British buyers approaches a staggering £762million each year (source. notfea).
- Older vehicles and certain marques—like the Renault Grand Scenic—are at particular risk, but modern digital odometers are not immune to tampering, and even electric vehicles (EVs) have been targeted; 2.6% of used EVs checked in the UK showed signs of mileage manipulation.
Why Is Mileage Fraud Happening?
- Easy Access to Technology: Devices to alter digital odometers are increasingly available online, making clocking easier and cheaper than ever (source, flexed).
- Financial Incentives: Lease deals with strict mileage limits and penalties tempt drivers to use mileage correction services before returning vehicles.
- Low Legal Enforcement: While selling a clocked car without disclosure is criminal, actual enforcement and convictions remain patchy. Some services operate in a legal “grey area” by offering corrections for legitimate reasons, which is then abused by others.
- Buyers Not Checking Properly: Many buyers fail to thoroughly check a vehicle’s history before purchasing, giving unscrupulous sellers a chance to hide fraud.
The Cost to UK Drivers
Mileage fraud doesn’t just cost buyers extra money. It can put lives at risk by masking the true wear and maintenance needs of a vehicle. Research shows that clocking inflates the market value of used cars by up to 29%, meaning some buyers may be paying thousands more than a vehicle is really worth.
Protect Yourself From Mileage Fraud
Here are practical steps UK motorists can take:
- Always Get a Vehicle History Check: Use trusted services like CarVertical or RegPlateCheck to check MOT histories and identify mileage discrepancies.
- Inspect MOT Certificates: Scrutinise past MOT certificates and service records for mileage jumps or inconsistent readings.
- Be Wary of Bargain Deals: Suspiciously low-mileage vehicles sold at attractive prices can be a red flag, especially from non-franchise dealers or private sellers.
- Report Suspected Fraud: If you believe a vehicle has been clocked, notify Trading Standards or DVLA. Not only could you save yourself, but you might prevent someone else from being scammed.
Mileage Fraud FAQ (2025)
Mileage fraud, also known as car clocking. When the odometer reading of a vehicle is illegally reduced to make it appear as though the car has covered fewer miles than it actually has. This is usually done to inflate the resale value or hide excessive wear and tear.
To spot a clocked car, carefully check the MOT history for any suspicious mileage drops or inconsistencies. Always request full service history and use trusted vehicle history check providers like CarVertical or RegPlateCheck. Be cautious of unusually low-mileage vehicles offered at attractive prices or by private sellers.
Recent data indicates that about 2.1% of used cars in the UK are suspected of having their odometers manipulated. That equates to around 160,000 vehicles sold with incorrect mileage each year, posing a significant risk to buyers.
Clocking is more common in high-mileage vehicles, including popular models like the Ford Transit van and Skoda Octavia. Some manufacturers, such as Kia, Nissan, and Dacia, also show higher rates of clocking for nearly-new cars in recent checks.
Buying a clocked car can lead to overpaying by thousands of pounds. It may leave the buyer with unexpected repairs due to concealed wear and tear. It also increases the risk of purchasing a vehicle with hidden safety issues.
Always run an independent vehicle history check.
Inspect MOT certificates and service records.
If in doubt, consult a mechanic or vehicle inspection service before purchasing.
Report any suspected mileage fraud to Trading Standards or the DVLA.
Final Thoughts
Mileage fraud is a persistent and evolving problem in the UK. As digital tools to manipulate vehicle histories proliferate, understanding the risks and acting decisively is more critical than ever for buyers. Always check the facts, trust reliable history check providers, and never rush into a used car purchase. Your money and safety are on the line.