How should odometer discrepancies be handled?

• A. Disclose only if the buyer asks
• B. Investigate, document, and disclose any discrepancy to the buyer; correct the record per law.
• C. Conceal the discrepancy
• D. Ignore the discrepancy if minor

Answer: (B)

Odometer accuracy matters for trust and legality. When there’s any difference between what the odometer shows and the vehicle’s actual mileage, you must handle it openly and correctly. The proper approach is to investigate to determine what happened—whether the odometer was replaced, damaged, or there’s a record mismatch—then document what you find and disclose the discrepancy to the buyer in clear, written form. You also need to correct the official record, such as the odometer disclosure on the title or any required state forms, so the mileage history is accurate going forward. This proactsively protects the buyer, the seller, and the dealership from potential fraud accusations and aligns with legal requirements.

Disguising, concealing, or ignoring a discrepancy is not acceptable, and disclosure only after being asked is not compliant with the rules governing mileage disclosures. Minor discrepancies still require disclosure because the odometer is a key indicator of wear and value, and any known inconsistency should be addressed before completing the sale.