PR Newswire·Oct 13, 2026, 8:00 AM ET

CARFAX: Up to 48,000 Vehicles Damaged by Mid-Year Flooding

CARFAX warns shoppers to check vehicle history after Hurricane Isaias, the first Atlantic storm of 2026, as flood-damaged cars may resurface for sale.
CARFAX estimates 48,000 vehicles in the U.S. sustained flood damage from storms between April and August 2026.
Affected states included Michigan, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Indiana, West Virginia, and others, with damaged vehicles potentially selling far from the original flood zones.
These new incidents add to over 500,000 water-damaged vehicles already on U.S. roads.
Paul Nadjarian, CARFAX Chief Product Officer, advises buyers to review reported history because hidden water damage can cause serious problems despite a clean exterior.
CARFAX offers a free Flood Check tool at carfax.com/flood to help consumers verify flood damage status.
Buyers should inspect vehicles for signs like musty odors, damp carpets, mismatched upholstery, rust on metal parts, mud in hidden areas, brittle wires, or moisture in lights.
Consumers are urged to review vehicle history reports, hire a trusted mechanic for inspection, and perform a thorough test drive before purchasing.