Terms of Service & Legal Disclaimers

Welcome to Carfocal. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our automotive data platform, vehicle guides, and editorial content (the "Services"). By using Carfocal, you agree to comply with these Terms.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing Carfocal you agree that:

• You have read and understand these Terms.
• You will use the Services lawfully and respectfully.
• Continued use indicates acceptance of updates.

2. FTC Affiliate Disclosure

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires us to be transparent about our relationships with advertisers and product manufacturers.

Carfocal participates in various affiliate marketing programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and others. This means that if you click on certain links to automotive parts, tools, or services on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

This comes at absolutely no additional cost to you. The price you pay for the product is exactly the same whether you use our affiliate link or go directly to the vendor. These commissions help cover the server and development costs required to keep our database running and freely accessible to the public.

3. Data Accuracy & Third-Party Sources

The vehicle reports, reliability scores, recall data, and specifications provided on Carfocal are generated by aggregating raw data from public and third-party government databases, primarily the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

• "As-Is" Data: While we run complex analyses to structure and summarize this data for you, the information is provided on an "as-is" basis.
• Source Errors: We do not generate the raw statistics ourselves. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the absolute completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information. We are not responsible or liable for any errors, omissions, or outdated records originating from these government or third-party sources.
• Verification: You should always verify critical information (such as open safety recalls) directly with the manufacturer or an authorized dealership using your specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

4. Automotive Liability Waiver (Not Professional Advice)

The content on Carfocal—including vehicle reviews, maintenance schedules, failure point analysis, and tuning guides—is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. We are a data aggregator, not a certified mechanic.

• Vehicle Purchasing Decisions: Every individual vehicle has a unique history, driving record, and maintenance pedigree. Carfocal is not liable for any financial losses, buyer's remorse, or unexpected costs if you purchase a vehicle based on our overall model ratings and it subsequently breaks down. We strongly advise securing a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) from an independent, qualified mechanic before buying any used car.
• DIY Repairs and Maintenance: Working on vehicles involves heavy machinery, combustible fluids, and high-voltage systems. Any attempt to repair, modify, or tune your vehicle based on the guides provided on this website is done strictly at your own risk.
• No Liability: We are not responsible or liable for any personal injury, property damage, vehicle damage, or voided manufacturer warranties resulting from DIY repairs, part installations, or software tunes.

Always consult a certified, professional mechanic before attempting any major maintenance, diagnosis, or tuning on your vehicle.

5. Account Security & User Content

If you create an account or submit content to Carfocal, you agree to provide accurate information and keep your login credentials secure. You retain ownership of the content you submit, but grant Carfocal a limited license to use it for the platform and marketing. Your submissions must not violate any laws or rights. Notify us at [email protected] if your account is compromised.

6. Prohibited Conduct

• No harassment, hate speech, or defamation.
• No spam, unauthorized advertising, or automation (including scraping our proprietary data).
• No attempts to abuse or circumvent platform protections.

7. Intellectual Property

Carfocal owns all non-user content, design, scoring algorithms, and software. You may not copy, scrape, or reuse our aggregated datasets or content without explicit permission.

8. General Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Carfocal and its affiliates are not responsible for any damages, losses, or liabilities arising from or related to your use of the Services or reliance on any content, including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages. If liability cannot be excluded, our total liability is capped at the amount you paid (if any) to us in the last 12 months.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify Carfocal for claims arising from your use of the Services, your vehicle purchasing or repair decisions, or your violation of these Terms.

10. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California and disputes are resolved in its courts.

11. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms. Continued use indicates acceptance of the revised version.

12. Contact

Questions? Reach us at [email protected].