How to identify signs of a flood-damaged car

Tropical storms and hurricanes, such as Helene, leave homes, roads, and thousands of vehicles submerged.
According to vehicle data company CARFAX, an estimated 89,000 vehicles sustained water damage due to summer flooding between June and August this year.
Even if you don’t live in a flood-prone area, it’s still possible to unknowingly purchase a flood-damaged car in the months following such events, potentially leading to costly repairs.
Identifying a flooded car can be challenging, as dishonest sellers often dry them out, clean them thoroughly, and then sell them.
How to Identify a Flood-Damaged Car
Certified mechanic Matt Overbeck, owner of Overbeck Auto Services, shared tips on how to examine a used car for signs of flood damage.
He demonstrated on a 10-year-old Prius, which had moisture inside its headlights, indicating potential water damage. Overbeck noted that you typically won’t find any evidence in the engine bay, as dealers often pressure wash and polish it.
Instead, he examined the interior and carefully removed a panel beneath the glove compartment.
“With a little effort, we can take this plastic down and take a look,” he explained.
Overbeck advised checking under the dashboard for signs of mud or rust on the wiring, as well as any unusual rust on the gas pedal.
Next, he recommended inspecting the carpeting, particularly under the seats, to ensure everything is dry and clean.
The interior of the Prius looked fine, but the inspection was far from over.
At the back of the car, Overbeck lifted the package tray above the spare tire, searching for signs of sand and mud.
“Water can actually accumulate in this low point of the car,” he explained.
The tire well was dry.
Finally, he advised checking the taillights for any signs of moisture inside.
“It’s very easy for moisture to enter the taillight and accumulate,” he noted.
Although this car had visible moisture in the headlights, Overbeck suspected it was due to rain leaking in, and he gave the Prius a clean bill of health.
Flood-Damaged Cars Often Sold in Non-Flooded States
If you don’t live along the coast, you might think this issue doesn’t concern you.
However, Patrick Olsen, editor-in-chief of CARFAX, warns that it’s quite common for scammers to target areas affected by flooding. “They will offer cash or other incentives to owners to sell their flood-damaged cars,” he said.
People often clean up these water-damaged vehicles and then sell them in other parts of the country.
“We see relatively high numbers in places like Ohio, Utah, Minnesota, and Illinois,” he explained, “because it’s easier to sell in areas where flooding isn’t a primary concern for car buyers.”
If you inadvertently purchase a flood-damaged car, Matt Overbeck notes that electrical issues could persist indefinitely.
“Modern vehicles can have over 80 computer modules,” he said. “If they become submerged in water, there’s no way to repair them.”
This is why it’s crucial to avoid buying a flood-damaged vehicle to prevent wasting your money.