1 in 7 UK used cars are clocked or have hidden identities
Mileage rollback and VIN manipulation are reported across the UK. Quick checks and on‑board diagnostics help buyers spot issues before paying.
New analysis reported that 16.25% of inspected vehicles showed mileage and/or VIN inconsistencies. The scans were drawn from over 2.5 million diagnostic sessions covering more than 550,000 UK cars between January and September 2025. Common methods include odometer rollback and devices that freeze the odometer. Selling a clocked vehicle without disclosure is illegal in the UK.
Used‑Car Clocking Quick‑Check
Toggle what applies. A simple score (0–10) is estimated from the conditions described in the supplied material. Guidance is surfaced below.
What “clocking” means
Clocking refers to rolling back or freezing the odometer so fewer miles are displayed. The practice has been reported nationwide. Premium‑brand models and popular family SUVs are frequently targeted due to resale values.
Where available, compare module records with paperwork. If inconsistencies are present, request written disclosure from the seller before payment.
Simple buyer steps
- Match mileage across the cluster, ECU, and service documents.
- Review prior adverts, invoices, and MOT history for continuity.
- Use an OBD scanner to surface discrepancies before purchase.
More related coverage
In short
This section covered the reported rate of suspected mileage or identity irregularities, common tampering methods, basic buyer checks, and links to related rules and recall coverage.
