What Does a Carfax Report Show?
Complete Answer
A Carfax report shows comprehensive vehicle history including accident records, ownership timeline, service history, title information, recall status, and mileage verification. However, you can get identical information from alternatives for $3.99 instead of Carfax's $39.99.
Complete Breakdown: What's in a Vehicle History Report
Whether from Carfax or alternatives, vehicle history reports contain the same core information compiled from identical data sources. Here's exactly what you'll see:
1. Accident and Damage History
🚗 Accident Information
What's Included:
- • Reported accidents with dates and locations
- • Damage severity (minor, moderate, severe)
- • Airbag deployment records
- • Structural damage indicators
- • Insurance claims filed
What's NOT Included:
- • Minor unreported accidents
- • Private repairs without insurance claims
- • Parking lot incidents not reported
- • Recent accidents (may take weeks to appear)
2. Ownership and Registration History
👥 Owner Information
- • Number of previous owners - How many people/companies owned it
- • Ownership duration - How long each owner kept the vehicle
- • Owner type - Personal, fleet, rental, lease, or commercial use
- • Registration locations - States/regions where vehicle was registered
- • Ownership transfers - Dates when ownership changed
3. Title and Legal Information
Title Status Categories
✅ Good Title Types
- • Clean Title - No major issues
- • Clear Title - No liens or loans
- • Original Title - First title issued
⚠️ Problem Title Types
- • Salvage Title - Totaled by insurance
- • Flood Title - Water damage
- • Lemon Title - Manufacturer buyback
- • Rebuilt Title - Repaired after being totaled
4. Service and Maintenance Records
🔧 Maintenance Information
Regular Maintenance:
Oil changes, tire rotations, inspections, brake services
Major Services:
Transmission services, timing belt replacement, major repairs
Service Locations:
Dealer services, independent shops, quick-lube chains
Mileage at Service:
Helps verify odometer accuracy and maintenance frequency
5. Recall and Safety Information
🛡️ Safety Data
- • Open recalls - Outstanding safety recalls that need attention
- • Completed recalls - Recalls that have been addressed
- • Safety campaigns - Manufacturer safety improvements
- • Technical service bulletins - Known issues and fixes
- • Warranty information - Coverage details and expiration
6. Vehicle Specifications and Features
Basic Vehicle Information
- Make, model, year - Vehicle identification
- Engine specifications - Size, type, horsepower
- Transmission type - Manual, automatic, CVT
- Drivetrain - FWD, RWD, AWD, 4WD
- Fuel type - Gasoline, diesel, hybrid, electric
- Original MSRP - Manufacturer's suggested retail price
7. Mileage and Odometer Information
📊 Mileage Verification
- • Mileage history - Recorded readings over time
- • Odometer rollbacks - Indications of tampering
- • TMU (True Mileage Unknown) - When mileage can't be verified
- • Average annual mileage - How much the vehicle was driven
- • Mileage inconsistencies - Red flags for potential fraud
8. Special Situations and Notes
Fleet and Commercial Use
- Rental car history - Previous use as rental vehicle
- Corporate fleet - Company-owned vehicle
- Government use - Police, military, or municipal vehicle
- Taxi/rideshare - Commercial passenger service
Regional Information
- Geographic history - States/regions where vehicle was registered
- Weather exposure - Snow belt, coastal, desert conditions
- Emission compliance - California vs. federal emission standards
What Reports DON'T Show
⚠️ Important Limitations
- • Current mechanical condition - Reports show history, not current state
- • Unreported accidents - Minor incidents without insurance claims
- • Private maintenance - Work done without official records
- • Cosmetic issues - Scratches, dents, interior wear
- • Future problems - Can't predict what might break
- • Detailed repair costs - Shows damage occurred, not repair expenses
Sample Report Section Examples
📄 Typical Report Layout
Vehicle Summary Section
Quick overview of key findings and red flags
Detailed History Timeline
Chronological list of all reported events
Additional Information
Recalls, specifications, and supplementary data
Glossary and Explanations
Definitions of terms and what they mean
How to Interpret the Information
Green Flags (Good Signs)
- No accidents reported - Clean accident history
- 1-2 owners - Well-maintained, not passed around
- Regular service records - Consistent maintenance
- Clean title - No major legal issues
- No open recalls - Safety issues addressed
Red Flags (Warning Signs)
- Multiple accidents - Especially with structural damage
- Flood/salvage title - Serious damage history
- Many owners - Vehicle passed around frequently
- Gaps in service - Poor maintenance history
- Odometer issues - Possible mileage tampering
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all vehicle history reports show the same information?
Yes, legitimate providers use the same core databases (NMVTIS, DMV, insurance companies). The information content is essentially identical across Carfax, AutoCheck, and alternatives.
How accurate is the information in reports?
Reports are generally accurate for events that are officially reported. However, they may miss 20-30% of minor accidents and private repairs that don't involve insurance claims.
What should I do if the report shows problems?
Use the information to make informed decisions: negotiate price, request repairs, get a professional inspection, or consider other vehicles. Don't automatically reject vehicles with minor issues.
Can I get this same information cheaper than Carfax?
Absolutely! Alternative services provide identical information for $3.99 compared to Carfax's $39.99. The data sources and content are the same.
Ready to See What Your Vehicle's History Shows?
Get the complete vehicle history report with all the information listed above. Same comprehensive data as Carfax for just $3.99 instead of $39.99.