CARFAX Warns of Flood-Damaged Vehicles in Used Cars Market

CENTREVILLE, Va., Oct. 13, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- In the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias, CARFAX has issued a warning to used-car shoppers, cautioning them to be vigilant for flood-damaged vehicles on the market. The first Atlantic hurricane of 2026 has left its mark on communities across the United States, and CARFAX is now advising consumers to be aware of the potential for previously flooded vehicles to resurface in the used-car market.

The warning comes as CARFAX has estimated that as many as 48,000 vehicles in the U.S. may have already sustained flood damage from storms earlier this year. The impact of a storm does not end when the rain stops, and CARFAX is highlighting the importance of checking a vehicle's history before purchasing. The company has identified the top 10 states with the most water-damaged vehicles currently on the road, with Michigan, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Indiana, and West Virginia being at the forefront of this issue.

CARFAX provides CARFAX Car Listings, which includes a free CARFAX Report, to help consumers verify the history of a vehicle. This report can reveal whether a vehicle has been reported as flood-damaged, providing a crucial tool for consumers looking to purchase a used car. To assist in this process, CARFAX has developed a free Flood Check® tool at carfax.com/flood, which can be used to determine if a vehicle has a history of flooding.

Consumers are advised to be proactive in their research, as flood damage can sometimes be hidden and may not be immediately apparent. Signs of water damage include a musty or moldy odor in the interior, damp carpets, loose or new upholstery or carpeting, rust around doors, under the dashboard, on the pedals, or inside the hood and trunk latches, and mud or silt in the glove compartment, under the seats, or up higher than usual. Additionally, consumers should look for brittle wires under the dashboard, fog or moisture beads in interior lights, exterior lights, or the instrument panel.

CARFAX recommends that buyers have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic and take it for a thorough test drive before purchasing.

These figures belong in your article, written exactly as they appear here, in the place they belong.