October 22, 2018—New research from Carfax suggests that over 478,000 flooded vehicles are back in use, either on the road or up for sale. That figure is a 47 percent increase—more than 150,000 additional cars—from 2017, when hurricanes Harvey and Irma devastated the Gulf Coast and Southeast.
With two major hurricanes impacting the U.S. this year, the number of flooded cars cleaned up and resold will likely grow. Carfax estimates at least 107,000 vehicles were damaged during Hurricane Florence.
The top five metropolitan areas with the most previously flooded cars back in use are Houston, New York City, Miami, Philadelphia and Dallas.
There are safety, health and financial concerns about flooded cars. Water can compromise the mechanical, electrical and safety systems of a vehicle, turning them into ticking time bombs. Hazardous mold and bacteria may develop in the soft parts of the car. Plus, unsuspecting buyers often pay thousands more than a flooded car is worth.
