Green Flag is advising used car buyers to verify Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) following a Freedom of Information request to the DVSA. The data revealed 449 VIN-related issues during MOT tests in 2025.
The irregularities included 138 illegible VINs, 137 instances of mismatched numbers on the same vehicle, and 104 cases where the identifier was missing. Additionally, 57 incomplete and 13 falsified VINs were recorded. Discrepancies often indicate vehicle cloning—where a stolen car is given the identity of a legitimate one—or “cut and shut” repairs involving two welded chassis.
Katie Lomas, managing director at Green Flag, stated:
“A vehicle’s VIN is its legal identity, and when it is missing, illegible or appears to have been tampered with, it is often a warning sign of something far more serious, which is why vehicles with VIN issues at MOT will fail and trigger further checks. Issues can point to stolen vehicles, unsafe accident repairs or even organised criminal activity.”
The 17-character code is typically found on the dashboard, the driver’s door frame, the chassis under the bonnet, and the V5C registration certificate. Buyers are urged to ensure all physical numbers match the official paperwork. Lomas added:
“Paying a few pounds for a professional vehicle history check can help protect you from fraud, financial loss and safety risks.”
Failure to verify these details can result in MOT failure and potential involvement in criminal investigations.
Source: Daily Record
