The summer flooding in 2024 has caused significant damage to thousands of cars across the United States, according to recent data from CARFAX. The aftermath of tropical storms and hurricanes has left an estimated 89,000 vehicles with water damage, adding to the 454,000 water-damaged cars already on the roads in 2023.
States like Texas and Florida are at the forefront of this issue, with a high number of flood-damaged cars already in circulation. Surprisingly, these cars are also showing up in states like Kentucky, Illinois, and Tennessee, where flooding may not be a top concern for buyers.
Faisal Hasan, the General Manager for Data at CARFAX, warns that these flooded cars may appear to be in good condition on the outside but could be deteriorating internally. Floodwater can cause various mechanical, electrical, health, and safety issues in a vehicle, even if it was only submerged for a short period.
The data from CARFAX highlights the top 10 states with the most water-damaged cars:
• Texas: 64,000
• Florida: 62,700
• Kentucky: 30,200
• Pennsylvania: 21,800
• California: 20,200
• New Jersey: 15,600
• New York: 15,300
• Illinois: 14,500
• North Carolina: 14,300
• Mississippi: 12,000
To help consumers avoid purchasing flood-damaged cars, CARFAX offers a free Flood Check® tool on their website. When considering a used car, buyers should watch out for these telltale signs of flooding:
• Damp carpets
• Musty odor in the interior
• Upholstery or carpeting that looks out of place
• Rust in various parts of the car
• Mud or silt in hidden areas
• Brittle wires under the dashboard
• Fog or moisture in lights or instrument panel
CARFAX recommends using these signs as a guide to identify potential water damage in a vehicle before making a purchase. Additionally, consumers can access interviews with used car experts from CARFAX for more information.
CARFAX, a part of S&P Global Mobility, is dedicated to providing consumers with vehicle history information to make informed decisions when buying or selling used cars. With a wealth of solutions like CARFAX Used Car Listings, CARFAX Car Care, and CARFAX Vehicle History Reports, CARFAX has been a leading expert in vehicle history since 1984.
For more information on CARFAX and their services, including interviews with experts, please contact [email protected].CARFAX continues to be a trusted resource for millions of people in the automotive industry, offering comprehensive vehicle history reports and innovative solutions to enhance the car-buying experience.