Discovering your car’s odometer was rolled back feels like a punch in the gut. You thought you were buying reliability, instead, you’ve been cheated. You’re not alone: according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 450,000 vehicles are sold every year with false odometer readings, costing buyers over $1 billion annually.
If you’ve just learned you’re one of these unlucky buyers, here’s everything you need to know about odometer rollbacks in Minnesota and what you can do about it.
What Is an Odometer Rollback?
An odometer rollback happens when the mileage reading on a vehicle is altered to make it look like the car has been driven less than it really has. Modern vehicles use computers to track and display mileage and scammers use “mileage correction” tools to plug into the system and change the numbers.
Indeed, a quick search for “odometer rollback tool” returns a bunch of “mileage correction” devices:
Why Odometer Fraud Matters
Odometer rollbacks aren’t just a technicality. They create real harm:
Financial Loss: You overpaid, often by thousands of dollars.
Resale Problems: You’ll never be able to trade the vehicle in. Dealers and private buyers check Carfax, and once an odometer discrepancy is noted, resale value collapses.
Safety Risks: Higher-mileage cars have more wear and tear — tires, brakes, suspension, airbags — making them less safe than you thought.
How to Spot an Odometer Rollback
Sometimes you can catch fraud before or after buying. Here’s what to check:
Vehicle history report (Carfax, AutoCheck): Look for mileage discrepancies.
Maintenance records: Oil changes and service receipts show mileage at the time. Check glove boxes, seats, and door stickers for past records.
Title history: Request a full history from the Minnesota DMV. Older titles may reveal inconsistencies.
Physical wear: A car with “low mileage” shouldn’t have worn pedals, sagging seats, or faded steering wheels.
Mechanic inspection: A trusted mechanic can spot if the car looks far more “used” than the odometer suggests.
Minnesota and Federal Odometer Fraud Laws
Both federal and state law make odometer tampering illegal.
Federal Law (49 U.S.C. §32701): Prohibits tampering with odometers and requires truthful mileage disclosures.
Minnesota Law (Minn. Stat. §325E.14): Makes odometer fraud a crime and provides remedies for victims.
Penalties include:
Civil damages: At least $10,000 or three times your actual damages (whichever is greater).
Attorney’s fees and costs: If you win, the dealer must pay your lawyer and court costs.
Criminal penalties: Jail time and fines for violators.
What Are My Legal Rights?
If you’ve been a victim of odometer fraud in Minnesota or Western Wisconsin, you can take action:
Sue the dealer who sold the vehicle with a false odometer reading.
Recover damages: Refunds, compensation for lost value, and additional damages as provided by law.
Pay nothing upfront: At Friedman Murray, we handle these cases on contingency, meaning we only get paid if you win.
Important Note: We only take cases against licensed dealers. We generally cannot help with private-party transactions. Documentation (Carfax, repair records, title history) is required to build your case.
FAQ: Odometer Rollbacks in Minnesota
How common is odometer fraud in Minnesota? Very. The NHTSA estimates over 450,000 cars are sold with false readings each year. Minnesota, with its heavy used-car market, is no exception.
Can I sue if the dealer didn’t personally roll it back? Yes. The law prohibits sellers from knowingly making false mileage disclosures — even if they weren’t the ones who altered it.
What if I bought from a private seller? While you may have legal claims if the private seller broke the law, our firm only handles cases against licensed dealers.
Just learned your vehicle’s odometer was rolled back?
Get a free consult with auto fraud attorney Todd Murray.
Since 2009, Todd has been helping Minnesotans combat fraudulent auto sales by used car dealers. His work has returned hundreds of thousands of dollars to his clients’ pockets and has improved the legal protections for used car buyers throughout the state. Todd’s clients have described him as “very professional and easy to work with.” He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and four children.