CARFAX estimates that up to 89,000 vehicles were damaged by flooding from June to August 2024, adding to the 454,000 already water-damaged cars on U.S. roads.
Texas and Florida top the list, but flood-damaged cars often reappear in unexpected states like Kentucky and Illinois.
Water damage can cause significant mechanical and safety issues, even in cars that look pristine. CARFAX urges used car shoppers to be vigilant for signs of flooding and offers a free Flood Check® tool at carfax.com/flood to help consumers avoid water-damaged cars.
“We see these flooded cars show up all around the country, putting unsuspecting buyers at risk,” said Faisal Hasan, General Manager for Data at CARFAX. “These cars may look showroom fresh, but they’re literally rotting from the inside out.” Floodwater can cause mechanical, electrical, health and safety issues in a vehicle even if it was submerged for only a short time.
CARFAX data shows these 10 states have the most water-damaged cars:
- Texas 64,000
- Florida 62,700
- Kentucky 30,200
- Pennsylvania 21,800
- California 20,200
- New Jersey 15,600
- New York 15,300
- Illinois 14,500
- N. Carolina 14,300
- Mississippi 12,000
More at: CARFAX Flood Check Tool.
