Flood-damaged Vehicles on the Rise during Hurricane Season: Inspect for Rust, Mud, and Musty Odors
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As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts above-average hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year, the risk of flood-damaged cars reappearing on used car lots increases. With nearly half a million flood-damaged vehicles circulating in the U.S. at the start of 2025 and approximately 45,000 vehicles sustaining flood damage between April and July of 2025, it's essential for consumers to be vigilant.
Faisal Hasan, Vice President of Data Acquisition at CARFAX, warns that flood-damaged cars can show up in various states, posing a risk to unsuspecting buyers. These vehicles often migrate to states like Pennsylvania and Illinois, where flooding isn't a primary concern for shoppers. Even Texas and Florida, which continue to have the most water-damaged cars, are selling many of these vehicles in other states.
To identify and avoid purchasing flood-damaged used cars, consumers can take several practical steps:
Inspect for physical and sensory signs of flood damage:
- Check for musty, damp, or moldy odors inside the vehicle, indicating trapped moisture under carpets, seats, or vents.
- Look for water stains, mud, dirt, or sand inside the trunk, under carpets, and on door panels.
- Examine seatbelt retractors for water spots or mildew by fully extending the belt.
- Search for rust and corrosion in unusual places such as inside the hood, door hinges, screws, bolts, and metal springs under seats. Rust bubbling under paint or on bolts can signal water exposure.
- Look for fogging or moisture inside headlights, taillights, and turn-signal lights.
- Compare upholstery and carpeting for mismatched or unusually new materials that may signal replacements after water damage.
- Test all electrical components thoroughly (windows, seats, radio, turn signals, air conditioning) for malfunctions caused by water harming wiring and circuits.
Check vehicle history with trusted resources:
- Use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to get a free flood or salvage history check via the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s VINCheck tool. This database reports vehicles flagged by insurance companies as flood-damaged or salvage titled.
- Purchase a CARFAX report for detailed information about the car’s accident history, previous owners, and flood damage records. CARFAX’s flood check can provide evidence of past water damage.
Use professional inspections and dealers:
- Prefer buying from reputable dealers who disclose vehicle history openly.
- Have a qualified mechanic perform a thorough pre-purchase inspection to find hidden flood damage that might affect the engine, transmission, wiring, or safety systems.
- Be cautious if a deal appears too good to be true, as flood-damaged cars often come at suspiciously low prices.
Be aware of state variations and fraud risk:
- Flood-damaged vehicles may have salvage or flood titles depending on the state’s laws, so know your state’s requirements for title branding on flood vehicles.
- VIN fraud, involving altered or swapped VINs to hide flood damage history, can occur, so verifying through multiple channels is essential.
In summary, consumers across all states should combine careful visual and functional inspections for water damage, use free and paid vehicle history reports, rely on reputable sellers, and get professional mechanical checks before purchasing a used car to effectively identify and avoid flood-damaged vehicles. This balanced approach addresses the hidden and long-term risks these cars pose.
[1] https://www.carfax.com/resources/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-car [2] https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/how-to-spot-a-flood-damaged-used-car/ [3] https://www.edmunds.com/car-shopping/advice/227305/how-to-spot-a-flood-damaged-used-car.html [4] https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-behaviors/flood-damaged-vehicles [5] https://www.nicsb.org/vincheck/
- "To mitigate the risks associated with flood-damaged vehicles, especially as the weathers forecast predict warnings of rising floodwaters, consumers must remain diligent in their inspections and investigations before purchasing a used car."
- "Despite living in states where flooding might not be a primary concern for shoppers, it's crucial to remember that flood-damaged vehicles can move across state lines, making it important to follow these prevention measures regardless of climate."
