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Mandatory Disclosures

A disclosure is a fact or detail about the past use, history or condition of a motor vehicle which dealers and salespeople are required by law, to provide to car-buyers. Disclosures must be included as written statements in a vehicle contract and there are 25 that must be made known as outlined in the MVDA.

Required disclosures

  1. If the vehicle is new and the contract identifies a specific vehicle (for example, a known VIN), the maximum distance that will be on the odometer when the vehicle is delivered.
  2. If the vehicle is new and the contract does not identify a specific vehicle (for example, VIN not yet known), either:
    • the maximum distance that will be on the odometer at delivery, or
    • a statement initialled by the buyer or lessee confirming that no maximum distance is specified.
  3. If the vehicle is used, the total distance the vehicle has been driven, if the dealer can determine it.
  4. If the vehicle is used and the dealer cannot determine the total distance driven, but can determine the distance driven as of a past date, that distance and date, along with a statement that the total distance driven is believed to be higher.
  5. If the vehicle is used and the dealer cannot determine either the total distance driven or the distance driven as of a past date, a statement that the total distance driven is unknown and may be substantially higher than the odometer reading.
  6. If the odometer is broken or not working properly, has been replaced, rolled back, or displays distance in miles instead of kilometres.
  7. If the vehicle was previously:
    • rented or leased on a daily basis (unless it was later owned by someone who was not a registered dealer),
    • used as a police vehicle or for emergency services, or
    • used as a taxi or limousine.
  8. If the vehicle has had any damage caused by fire.
  9. If the vehicle has had damage caused by flooding or immersion in liquid that reached at least the interior floorboards.
  10. If the vehicle has had structural damage, or any repairs, replacements, or changes to the vehicle’s structure.
  11. If the vehicle has an anti-lock braking system that is not working.
  12. If any airbags are missing or not working.
  13. If the vehicle needs repairs to any of the following:
    • engine, transmission, or powertrain
    • subframe or suspension
    • computer systems
    • electrical system
    • fuel system
    • air conditioning
  14. If the vehicle is significantly different from its original or advertised production specifications.
  15. If two or more adjacent body panels (not including bumper panels) have been replaced.
  16. The vehicle’s trim level.
  17. The make, model, and model year of the vehicle.
  18. If any badge, emblem, or marking on the vehicle indicates a different model than the vehicle actually is.
  19. If the total cost to repair damage from an incident exceeded $3,000, and if known, the total repair cost.
  20. If the manufacturer’s warranty on the vehicle has been cancelled.
  21. If the vehicle was declared a total loss by an insurance company, even if it was not classified as salvage or irreparable.
  22. If the vehicle was previously registered or treated as registered in a jurisdiction outside Ontario, and which jurisdiction(s), unless it has been registered in Ontario for at least the past seven consecutive years.
  23. If the vehicle has been classified as irreparable, salvage, or rebuilt under the Highway Traffic Act, and how it was last classified.
  24. If the vehicle was recovered after being reported stolen.
  25. Any other information about the vehicle that could reasonably affect a buyer’s or lessee’s decision to purchase or lease it on the disclosed terms.

A dealer isn’t required to provide a physical copy of a vehicle history report. However, applicable disclosures must be made in writing on the vehicle purchase agreement.

For more information about your vehicle history and value, these resources may be of help:

Canadian Black Book may provide the wholesale value of your trade-in

CARFAX often shows reported incidents or collisions and can also provide lien information

Transport Canada may list known defects or recalls

Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) provides ownership history, lien information and historical odometer readings – by law, a private seller must provide a UVIP (ensure all pages are provided)