A resurgence of car mileage fraud, commonly known as clocking, is occurring due to the availability of sophisticated and allegedly undetectable technology. While once thought to be a declining crime, the ease of access to devices that can alter odometer readings has led to a significant increase in cases, potentially tricking used car buyers into paying more for vehicles with higher mileage than advertised.
Vehicle history checking service carVertical reported that the Nissan Qashqai has been identified as the most frequently clocked car in the UK for the past two years. In the first half of 2026, 10.8% of Qashqai models checked showed signs of mileage manipulation, with an average of 12,250 miles deleted. This trend significantly inflates the second-hand value of these popular SUVs. Given the nearly three-quarters of a million Qashqais registered in the UK, it is estimated that up to 77,500 vehicles may have tampered mileage.
The Skoda Octavia ranks second, with 8.2% of checked models showing mileage fraud, averaging 17,869 miles removed. This model is popular in taxi and private hire businesses, contributing to a higher prevalence of high-mileage examples.
Luxury brands are also affected. Audi features prominently, with six models in the top 20 most clocked vehicles. The Q5 SUV leads the Audi lineup, with 8.1% of models showing adjusted mileage and an average of 18,452 miles deleted. Other Audi models like the A6, Q7, A5, A3, A4, and TT also appeared in the rankings. This suggests that mileage manipulation is not limited to lower-cost vehicles.
Land Rover models, particularly the Defender, are also targets. The Defender has a 7% clocking rate, with an average of 51,237 miles wiped, often on older models that have increased in value. Other vehicles appearing in the top 20 include the Land Rover Range Rover and Discovery, BMW 5 Series, and Volkswagen Passat.
These devices, often marketed as 'mileage blockers' or 'mileage freezers,' work by pausing the odometer while a vehicle is in motion. They can alter not only the dashboard display but also other electronic systems, making detection difficult even for dealerships. The devices are legally sold online with disclaimers for 'off-road or research use only,' but are widely used for fraudulent purposes. Prices for these devices range from £200 to £900.
Experts warn that the consequences of buying a clocked car extend beyond overpaying. Vehicles with artificially low mileage may have significantly more wear on their components, potentially leading to unexpected repair bills, breakdowns, or even accidents.
Potential Impact of Future Taxation
Industry experts are concerned that proposed government plans to introduce a pay-per-mile taxation system for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, set to begin in April 2028, could further incentivize mileage tampering. Under the proposed system, drivers would be charged based on mileage, with rates of 3p per mile for EVs and 1.5p for plug-in hybrids. The widespread availability of mileage-blocking devices could allow drivers to suppress recorded mileage to evade these charges, making the purchase of used electric vehicles more precarious.
Legal Gray Area
In the UK, altering a car's mileage is not illegal; however, selling a vehicle without disclosing known discrepancies is an offense. Traders can face prosecution for mileage fraud under consumer protection laws, but proving intent for financial gain can be challenging. The legal framework surrounding mileage manipulation remains a complex issue, with difficulties in prosecuting individuals who alter the mileage before a vehicle enters the second-hand market.