ODOMETER DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS

What are Odometer Tampering and Mileage Disclosure Violations? 

A vehicle that a dealer sells or leases to a consumer must by accompanied by an Odometer Disclosure Statement.  The seller must state, to the best of his/her knowledge, the actual mileage of the vehicle in the Odometer Disclosure Statement. 

If the seller knows the odometer is not accurate,  the seller cannot indicate it reflects "actual miles".  Even if the odometer was not altered by the seller of the vehicle,  it is unlawful for the seller to check the "actual mileage" box if the seller knew the odometer was inaccurate or inoperable.  If an inaccurate odometer disclosure statement is made with intent to defraud,  a consumer may recover three times his/her actual damages.

Odometer tampering occurs when a motor vehicle's mileage gauge has been altered,  set back, or disconnected intending to change the mileage registered by the odometer.  Michigan and Federal laws forbid tampering with an odometer.  If odometer tampering is done with intent to defraud,  a consumer may recover three times his/her actual damages.