Flood Vehicle Alert

Every year, tens of thousands of cars are damaged by floodwaters and more than half end up back on the road. Water damage from Hurricane Ida, in 2021, damaged at least 212,000 vehicles. Hurricane Sandy, in 2012, damaged over 230,000 cars, 150,000 of them from New York alone. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina ruined over 200,000 vehicles and Hurricane Ivan, in 2004, left more than 100,000 vehicles waterlogged. In total, these four natural disasters left more than 700,000 submerged in floodwater, hurricanes, and tropical storms, however, are only part of the problem.

To help you avoid cars with water damage, CARFAX® offers these tips:

• Check the trunk, glove compartment, the dashboard and below the seats for signs of water damage such as silt, mud or rust.
• Examine upholstery and carpeting closely; if it doesn’t match the interior or fits loosely, it may have been replaced. Discolored faded or stained materials could indicate water damage.
• Turn the ignition key and make sure that accessory and warning lights and gauges come on and work properly. Make sure the airbag and ABS lights come on.
• Test lights (interior and exterior), windshield wipers, turn signals, radio, heater and air conditioner several times to make sure they work.
• Flex some of the wires beneath the dashboard. Wet wires will become brittle upon drying and may crack.
• Take a deep breath and smell for musty odors from mildew.
• Go to a trusted mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. Always get vehicles checked BEFORE handing over any money.
• Ask to see a vehicle history report. CARFAX® Vehicle History Reports can reveal many hidden problems from a vehicle’s past, including flood titles, and will indicate if a vehicle has been titled/registered in at-risk areas during flood and hurricane seasons. If the seller does not offer a report, use the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) available on the dashboard to check the cars history at CARFAX®.com