Our data sources and methods
Every number on our vehicle pages and tools comes from a public source. Here's where it comes from and how we use it.
Vehicle pages (585 models, 5,649 model years)
| Data | Source |
|---|---|
| Engines, transmissions, MPG, fuel cost, CO₂, EPA scores | EPA fueleconomy.gov data |
| Safety recalls | NHTSA recall data |
| Owner complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, mileage at failure | NHTSA complaint data |
| Crash-test ratings, curb weight, GVWR | NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) |
| Technical service bulletins, defect investigations | NHTSA manufacturer communications and investigations data |
We download the full public datasets, not individual pages, and match NHTSA's model names to EPA's (for example, NHTSA lists "E-150" and "E150" separately). Recall data is matched for 5,605 of 5,649 model years. Data was last refreshed in October 2026. Owner complaints are reports filed with NHTSA and aren't verified by the agency. For a specific car, always check open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Junk car value estimates
Our value estimator multiplies the car's curb weight by a range of typical U.S. scrap prices per ton, then adjusts for missing major parts. Curb weight comes from NHTSA crash-test records when published. Otherwise it uses the same model's nearest year with a published weight, or the typical weight for that body type in our data, and the tool tells you which. It's an estimate of scrap value only. Real offers depend on your area, the car's condition and demand for its parts, and newer or in-demand cars are often worth more than scrap.
State title guides
Written from each state motor vehicle agency's website and forms, with every source linked. Each guide shows the month it was last checked. This is general information, not legal advice.
Junkyard directory and maps
See how we check listings. Maps use U.S. Census state boundaries, city locations from GeoNames, and ZIP code centroids. Distances are straight-line miles, not driving distance.
Found an error?
Tell us and we'll check it against the source.