Why are only certain maintenance events reported to Carfax?

"jkm7680" (jkm7680) 09/25/2015 at 16:47 • Filed to: None

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With my A6, there was a log book of 40,000 miles worth of services with the local Audi dealer. When that ended, there were other random services. But certain things, like the timing belt replacement weren’t reported on the Carfax. Why is this? Do some places just not report events to the Carfax reports or something?

The car came with a total of around 30 service records and some general maintenance items that were signed off and stamped by the Audi dealer int he book intended for maintenance.

Future next gen S2000 owner > jkm7680 09/25/2015 at 17:00

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I’ve come to the conclusion that Carfax is a worthless service. The only good thing is checking for a salvage title. Even that isn’t completely accurate.

bryan40oop > jkm7680 09/25/2015 at 17:10

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“ Why are only certain maintenance events reported to Carfax? ”

Depends if the dealership reports it or not. Entirely up to them if they enroll into that service.

Textured Soy Protein > jkm7680 09/25/2015 at 17:14

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Carfax is only as good as the reporting. It is very incomplete for most cars. Carfax relies on vehicle registration records, insurance companies, and the scattered new car dealers who actually report service. But I’d say that just as many new car dealers don’t bother reporting service to Carfax, and few if any independent shops bother with it.

JustJim > jkm7680 09/25/2015 at 17:27

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I bought my MX-5 from a reputable dealer and the Carfax was clean. 1 tail light had a crack and under a re-spray and some colored wax was a scuff on the bumper cover. My guess is an Miata club trip into a ditch or auto cross. They likely didn't report it to insurance, and paid cash for the repair. No record.

E92M3 > jkm7680 09/25/2015 at 19:04

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Most independent shops, and even a lot of chains don’t want to give carfax the data. Especially without compensation.