FedEx Accused of Largest Odometer Rollback Fraud in History with Used Vans (thedrive.com)

Article summary

FedEx is facing a lawsuit for allegedly committing the largest odometer rollback fraud in history by selling used vans with replaced odometers showing lower mileage. The lawsuit claims that FedEx and its fleet company, Holman Fleet Leasing, intentionally replaced the odometers to inflate the values of the vans and sell them for higher prices. The affected vehicles were reportedly sold with 100,000 miles or less on the new odometers, but their real mileage was sometimes four times higher. This led to mechanical issues and significant costs for the buyers.

Main themes

• odometer fraud
• vehicle maintenance
• engine lifespan
• road salt damage
• used vehicle purchases
• fraudulent practices
• engine rebuilding and refurbishing

What commenters say

• Replacing odometers is not illegal, but failing to disclose the replacement and the true mileage is a serious issue.
• The true mileage of the vehicles can be estimated by inspecting the wear and tear on various parts, such as the driver's seat and engine components.
• Some commenters question the accuracy of the claimed mileage and engine lifespan, citing the need for more specific data on the engine models and vehicle usage.
• The use of road salt and other de-icing chemicals can cause significant damage to vehicles, and some areas are exploring alternative methods.
• The difference between a rebuilt and refurbished engine is mainly a matter of whether the work is done on the original engine or a replacement engine.
• Some commenters suggest that buyers should be cautious when purchasing used vehicles and look for signs of wear and tear that may indicate rolled-back odometers.
• The lawsuit has been ongoing since 2017, and some commenters are surprised that the issue was not caught and addressed sooner.
• The practice of rolling back odometers is considered fraudulent and can have serious financial consequences for the buyers of the affected vehicles.