Car shoppers in Florida are being warned to watch out for flood-damaged vehicles hitting the used car market.

Carfax reports that many vehicles destroyed in last year’s storms are showing up for sale, despite insurance companies declaring them total losses.

“They may look fine on the outside, but inside they’re a ticking time bomb,” Em Nguyen, a Carfax spokeswoman, warns. “Flood damage can cause electrical failures, costly repairs, and even hidden health hazards like mold and mildew.”

Florida leads the country in flood-damaged cars, with more than 82,000 of the nation’s estimated 482,000 vehicles, according to a new Carfax study. Many appear on dealer lots, auto auctions, and even social media marketplaces.

Nguyen cautioned that even minor signs, such as rust on pedals, could signal major safety issues like braking failures.

Carfax recommends three steps before buying a used vehicle:

• Run a free check using the CARFAX Flood Check® tool at carfax.com/flood.
• Inspect for red flags such as damp carpets, musty odors, mismatched upholstery, rust, mud, brittle wires, or moisture inside lights and gauges.
• Have a trusted mechanic inspect the car and take it for a test drive.

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