CARFAX Vehicle History Reports

Avoid buying a car with costly hidden problems by getting a CARFAX Report today.

What does the CARFAX Vehicle History Report ™ show you?

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CARFAX Vehicle History Reports

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View the history of a particular used vehicle

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Every CARFAX Vehicle History Report ™ checks for...

CARFAX Reports contain important information that can help you make a more informed decision about a used car, truck or SUV, including:

  • Vehicle Registration CARFAX receives vehicle registration and VIN information from every U.S. and Canadian provincial motor vehicle agency. Search CARFAX Reports to help you see where and how the vehicle may have been used.
  • Frame/structural damage Even a minor incident can cause structural damage that impacts a car's value and safety. The CARFAX Vehicle History Report may show if a vehicle has suffered frame damage. Always have a car's frame or structure inspected by a mechanic.
  • Salvaged, Junked or Flood titles Flood damaged cars can be dangerous to drive and are often moved to other states and sold to unsuspecting buyers. The CARFAX Vehicle History Report includes flood damage titles issued by state DMVs, and you can use the free CARFAX Flood Check to see if a used auto was reported as flooded.
  • Accident indicators After airbags are deployed, they must be properly replaced. The CARFAX Vehicle History Report may alert you to previously deployed airbags. Always have a car's airbags inspected by a mechanic.
  • Odometer readings The CARFAX Vehicle History Report includes DMV-reported odometer problems. In addition, CARFAX does an odometer rollback check on every vehicle identification number that you run to help you identify possible odometer fraud.
  • Service and repair information CARFAX has millions of service records, including oil changes and other routine maintenance, which are included in the CARFAX VIN check. Remember to also ask the seller for service and maintenance records.
  • Lemon history When a new vehicle has major problems and is bought back by the manufacturer, it may be marked by the state as a lemon car. The CARFAX Vehicle History Report can help you see if a car has been branded as a lemon by a state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can use the free CARFAX Lemon Check to see if a used car was reported as a lemon.
  • Vehicle usage (taxi, rental, lease, etc.) Rental cars are often well maintained but are driven by many people under various driving conditions. The CARFAX Vehicle History Report may tell if the vehicle has been registered by a rental company.
  • Total loss accident history An insurance company may declare a vehicle a total loss, even if the damage is insufficient to warrant a salvage title by a state DMV. The CARFAX Vehicle History Report may tell if the automobile has been declared a total loss by an insurance company.
  • Recall information CARFAX offers recall data on all major car brands. Find everything from Nissan recall or Honda recall info, to Chevrolet and Ford recalls. Easily check open recalls by VIN to see specific issues with your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CARFAX Vehicle History Report?

Millions of consumers rely on CARFAX Reports every day to help them decide whether or not to buy a used car. Each report contains information about whether the car in question has been in an accident, has any open recalls, previous owners, service history and much, much more.

Does CARFAX have a report for every vehicle?

Yes! CARFAX has a database of over 17 billion history records on every VIN in the US, the most comprehensive vehicle history database in North America. However, CARFAX suggests that shoppers use their reports as just one important tool, along with a vehicle inspection and test drive, to make the best decision.

What is a VIN?

VIN stands for a car’s Vehicle Identification Number. A VIN consists of 17 characters and serves as a unique identifier for a specific vehicle. At CARFAX, you can use either a VIN or a license plate and state to get a CARFAX Report.

Where is my VIN located?

A VIN can often be found on the driver-side door, near where the door latches as well as on the lower-left hand corner of the dashboard, in front of the steering wheel. If you own the car, you can find it on the title, registration card or insurance documents. image of VIN location diagram

Who is a Vehicle History Report for?

A CARFAX Vehicle History Report can be used by anyone who wants to check the history of a used car. You may use a CARFAX Report to check the history of a car you’re about to buy, or a car you own that you’d like to sell to a private party. Shoppers feel more confident buying a used car once they know its history.