A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is one of the most widely used tools for evaluating the background of a used car before making a purchase. It aggregates data from thousands of sources to help buyers assess whether a vehicle has been well maintained, whether it has sustained serious damage, and if there are any red flags that could affect its value, safety, or legal standing. While a CARFAX report shouldn’t replace a pre-purchase inspection or test drive, it can offer powerful insights to guide your decision.

Key Information Included in a CARFAX Vehicle Report

A CARFAX vehicle report draws from a vast network of data sources to provide a snapshot of a car’s documented history. While each report may vary slightly depending on what’s been reported over time, the core elements give buyers and sellers a clearer picture of the vehicle’s background. The following are the key categories of information that help identify potential issues and support more confident car-buying decisions.

Vehicle Title History and Branding

One of the most important things a CARFAX report reveals is the title status of the vehicle. Titles can carry “brands” that indicate major events in the car’s history:

• Salvage title: Typically issued when a vehicle is declared a total loss by an insurance company due to damage.
• Flood or fire damage title: Shows the vehicle sustained significant water or fire damage.
• Rebuilt title: Indicates that a vehicle was once deemed a total loss but has since been repaired and re-certified.
• Lemon title: Signals that the car was bought back by the manufacturer under state lemon laws due to repeated defects.

These branded titles can affect a vehicle’s resale value, insurability, and long-term reliability.

Accident and Damage History

The CARFAX report collects accident-related data from law enforcement, insurance companies, repair shops, and collision centers. If an accident was reported, the report may include:

• Crash date and location
• Severity of damage
• Airbag deployment
• Structural or frame damage
• Total loss declaration

This section helps potential buyers understand the nature and extent of any prior damage, which is critical when considering long-term performance and resale value.

Odometer Readings and Rollback Detection

Mileage discrepancies can signal odometer tampering—a serious issue that affects both the value and legality of a used car sale. A CARFAX report includes odometer readings gathered at different points in the vehicle’s life, such as:

• Title transfers
• Inspections
• Emissions testing
• Dealer service visits

If there’s evidence the odometer has been rolled back or replaced, the report will flag it, helping buyers avoid fraudulent listings.

Ownership History

CARFAX outlines how many owners the vehicle has had, the duration of each ownership period, and the states where it was registered. It will also specify the type of ownership:

• Personal: Privately owned
• Fleet: Company-owned for employee use
• Rental: Previously used by a rental company
• Lease: Leased vehicle, usually returned to the dealer at the end of the term

Vehicles with fewer owners—especially if owned for longer periods—are generally viewed as better maintained and more reliable.

Vehicle Usage

Knowing how a vehicle was used is critical. A CARFAX report reveals whether a car served in a commercial, rental, taxi, or government fleet. These types of vehicles often accumulate mileage quickly and may have higher wear and tear. For example, former rentals may have seen a wide range of driving habits and less consistent care.

Service and Maintenance Records

Whenever available, CARFAX includes a detailed list of service and repair records reported by dealerships and service shops.

This can include:

• Oil changes
• Brake pad replacements
• Battery service
• Tire rotations
• Engine or transmission repairs

Consistent service entries suggest the car has been well-maintained over time, which is a positive indicator for potential buyers.

Recalls and Safety Notices

CARFAX reports include open manufacturer recalls, which alert buyers to unresolved safety issues. This may include:

• Airbag replacements
• Brake line corrosion
• Electrical faults

While recalls are usually fixed for free by the dealership, a car with multiple unresolved recalls can indicate neglect or lack of proper upkeep. CARFAX may also provide basic crash-test ratings or reliability scores based on the make and model.

Title and Registration Events

The report logs any major title or registration events, such as:

• New title issued
• Lien status (i.e., whether a bank or lender still holds interest)
• Registration renewals
• Emissions inspections
• Vehicle export or import status

These details can help track where the vehicle has lived and identify any gaps or suspicious patterns in its timeline.

Stolen Vehicle and Recovery Check

If a car was ever reported stolen or has a theft recovery record, it will appear on the CARFAX report. While many recovered vehicles are still drivable and insurable, this kind of history can impact the resale value or eligibility for certain financing options.

Accessing CARFAX Reports Through the InfoRide App

One of the easiest ways to view a CARFAX report while shopping for a vehicle is through the InfoRide app, where vehicle history data is built directly into the listing. Instead of searching multiple websites or requesting reports from dealers, you can see ownership history, accident records, mileage, and title status in one place. This helps you compare vehicles more efficiently and avoid surprises later in the buying process. By combining CARFAX data with real-time inventory and dealership connections, the app gives shoppers a smarter, more transparent experience.

What To Do With the Information

A CARFAX report is best used as a screening tool. It helps narrow down your options by identifying cars with questionable histories. If a vehicle’s report shows consistent maintenance and a clean title, it’s a good sign—but not a guarantee. Conversely, a red flag doesn’t always mean a car is unworthy. In some cases, a repaired vehicle with a branded title may be a great value—if you’re informed.

Important Disclaimer: Not All History Is Reported

Although CARFAX gathers information from over 100,000 sources including DMV records, police reports, dealerships, and auto auctions, not all service or accident history will appear. If an accident was never reported to insurance or a repair was handled privately, it may not show up. That’s why a pre-purchase inspection and test drive are always recommended—even if the CARFAX report looks clean.