{"id":368930,"date":"2022-03-23T09:42:53","date_gmt":"2022-03-23T14:42:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/can-i-sue-over-a-used-car-history-document-or-service.html"},"modified":"2024-01-08T16:52:33","modified_gmt":"2024-01-08T21:52:33","slug":"can-i-sue-over-a-used-car-history-document-or-service","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/can-i-sue-over-a-used-car-history-document-or-service.html","title":{"rendered":"Can I Sue Over a Used Car History Document or Service?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Can I Sue Over a Used Car History Document or Service?<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Steven Ellison, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Joseph Fawbush, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

\n

Yes, you may be able to sue over a vehicle history report. You could go after the company that prepared the report or the dealer you bought the used motor vehicle from.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

This article focuses on suing a company that prepares vehicle history reports (VHRs). If you are interested in learning more about suing a dealer for lying to you about a car’s history or the work done on the vehicle, see How to Sue a Car Dealer for Misrepresentation<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

While you may have a valid claim to bring legal action against a VHR company, it isn’t always easy or straightforward. If you are considering suing a VHR company, you may want to consult with an experienced consumer protection attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Your options depend on which company you obtained your VHR from. Several companies sell VHRs, but the two big ones are Carfax and Experian’s AutoCheck. In this article, FindLaw discusses these two companies.<\/p>\r\n

What Is a Vehicle History Report?<\/h2>\r\n

Vehicle history reports are helpful tools when buying a used vehicle<\/a>. The key to a VHR is the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The 17-digit VIN is used to record every major event in a car’s history.<\/p>\r\n

Based on the VIN, a VHR will contain a summary and overall evaluation of the car, along with dates, locations, and details. You can see if a car has been registered in multiple states. Other information can include the following:<\/p>\r\n