One in 25 second-hand vehicles analysed in a new report shows incorrect mileage, with odometer tampering rising sharply year-on-year. The data, seen exclusively by the Express, reveals that 4% of all vehicles checked had their odometer altered, up from 2.3% in the previous year's test - a 75% increase.
Clocking on the rise despite lower mileage wiped
Although the number of affected cars has grown, the average amount removed from mileage counters has fallen. Last year, road users wiped off 56,320km (around 35,000 miles), but 2026 data shows cars losing roughly 35,147km (about 21,800 miles).
Ramūnas Pletkus, data expert at carVertical, said: "Signs of mileage manipulation are now showing up in around one in 25 checks." He added: "Clocking can leave someone paying too much for a vehicle that has done far more miles than the dashboard suggests."
Government action against mileage fraud
While winding back a car's mileage is not strictly against the rules, selling a clocked car without telling the customer constitutes mileage fraud. The government is now cracking down on the issue, confirming this week that vehicle clocking will be added to the banned practices list under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. This means second-hand car dealers who wind back odometers to disguise a vehicle's true mileage will face tougher action.
Officials suggested that tightening the rules would help protect buyers and back honest businesses. Minister for Consumer Action, Kate Dearden, said: "Nobody works hard for their money just to be deceived by a dodgy trader, and this is exactly the kind of everyday rip-off this government is going after. By making it easier to take action against car clocking, we are protecting consumers' hard-earned money and supporting businesses that play by the rules."
Why clocking remains popular
The RAC said vehicle clocking is popular because it generally makes models more valuable to potential buyers. It hides the true wear and tear, often masking important maintenance needs and safety issues.
