Vehicle History Dictionary (Nigeria Edition)

Use alongside the official VIN report. This page does not alter any provider’s report.

Last updated: 8/20/2025

Accident Record

US definition

Police/insurer/body-shop accident entry.

NG interpretation

Assess severity; focus on structure/SRS.

Walk-away: MaybeRelated: Structural Damage, Airbag

What to check

  • Rails
  • Aprons
  • Airbags

Typical repairs (₦)

  • accident repairs300,000–₦2,000,000

Airbag Deployed / Replacement

US definition

Airbag(s) deployed or replaced.

NG interpretation

Indicates crash; resistors sometimes used to cheat SRS.

Walk-away: MaybeRelated: Accident Record, Structural Damage

What to check

  • SRS light
  • Module scan
  • Physical inspection

Typical repairs (₦)

  • srs600,000–₦1,200,000

Auction Record (Copart/IAA)

US definition

Vehicle sold via salvage/wholesale auction.

NG interpretation

Normal for export; inspect grading/notes.

Walk-away: NoRelated: Multiple Auction Sales

What to check

  • Run & Drive
  • Engine Start
  • Seller type

Clean Title

US definition

Title with no total-loss brand.

NG interpretation

Fewer surprises; still inspect for hidden accident repairs.

Walk-away: NoRelated: Accident Record, Title Brand (Generic)

What to check

  • Paint mismatch
  • Panel gaps
  • OBD scan

Typical repairs (₦)

  • bodywork minor100,000–₦300,000

Emissions / Smog

US definition

State emissions test history.

NG interpretation

Hints at engine health even if not enforced.

Walk-away: No

What to check

  • Readiness monitors
  • CEL history

Export / Title Only

US definition

Title for export or 'title only' transaction.

NG interpretation

Standard for exports; confirm brand status.

Walk-away: NoRelated: Lien / Loan Record

What to check

  • Brand carry-over
  • Paperwork completeness

Fire Damage

US definition

Exposed to fire/heat.

NG interpretation

Brittle wiring and structural compromise.

Walk-away: Yes

What to check

  • Heat warping
  • Loom condition

Flood Damage

US definition

Water intrusion or flood brand.

NG interpretation

Persistent electrical/corrosion risks.

Walk-away: YesRelated: Total Loss

What to check

  • Carpet silt
  • Connector rust
  • Smell

Typical repairs (₦)

  • harness modules700,000–₦2,000,000

Frame / Unibody

US definition

Primary load-bearing structure.

NG interpretation

Compromise affects safety/tire wear.

Walk-away: YesRelated: Structural Damage

What to check

  • Jig/laser
  • Alignment report

Typical repairs (₦)

  • structural800,000–₦2,000,000

Hail Damage

US definition

Cosmetic dents from hail.

NG interpretation

Mostly appearance; mechanicals usually fine.

Walk-away: No

What to check

  • Roof/bonnet dents
  • Paint integrity

Typical repairs (₦)

  • pdr repaint150,000–₦600,000

Lemon / Manufacturer Buyback

US definition

Repurchased for unresolved defects.

NG interpretation

Chronic issues; parts scarce locally.

Walk-away: YesRelated: Recall

What to check

  • Repair history
  • Recurring fault codes

Typical repairs (₦)

  • diagnostics150,000–₦500,000

Lien / Loan Record

US definition

Lender has a legal claim until paid.

NG interpretation

Ensure lien release before export/title.

Walk-away: MaybeRelated: Export / Title Only

What to check

  • Release docs
  • Title verification

Multiple Auction Sales

US definition

Listed/sold several times at auction.

NG interpretation

Others passed; hidden issues likely.

Walk-away: MaybeRelated: Auction Record (Copart/IAA)

What to check

  • Photo history
  • Leaks
  • Damp

Odometer Exempt

US definition

Mileage reporting not required (often older).

NG interpretation

Assume higher use; inspect wear items.

Walk-away: NoRelated: Odometer Rollback / Not Actual

What to check

  • Pedals
  • Wheel
  • Seats

Odometer Rollback / Not Actual

US definition

Mileage inconsistent/tampered.

NG interpretation

Assume higher mileage; price accordingly.

Walk-away: MaybeRelated: Odometer Exempt

What to check

  • Wear vs odo
  • Service logs
  • ECU readouts

Ownership History

US definition

Number/duration of owners and states.

NG interpretation

Many owners in short time is a flag.

Walk-away: MaybeRelated: Multiple Auction Sales

What to check

  • Gaps
  • Quick flips

Rebuilt Title

US definition

Former salvage repaired and inspected; road-legal.

NG interpretation

Quality varies widely; verify structural and SRS integrity.

Walk-away: MaybeRelated: Salvage Title, Structural Damage

What to check

  • Jig measurements
  • SRS scan
  • Water ingress

Typical repairs (₦)

  • rework400,000–₦1,500,000

Recall (Open/Closed)

US definition

Manufacturer safety/quality campaign.

NG interpretation

Open recalls rarely serviced locally.

Walk-away: No

What to check

  • Severity
  • Parts availability

Salvage Title

US definition

Insurer declared total loss; salvage brand applied.

NG interpretation

Heavy prior damage; likely structural/electrical issues.

Walk-away: YesRelated: Rebuilt Title, Total Loss, Structural Damage

What to check

  • Frame alignment
  • Airbag presence
  • Corrosion

Typical repairs (₦)

  • frame800,000–₦2,500,000
  • airbags600,000–₦1,200,000

Service / Maintenance Record

US definition

Documented maintenance events.

NG interpretation

Good sign; boosts confidence.

Walk-away: No

What to check

  • Intervals
  • Major services

Structural Damage

US definition

Damage to frame/unibody recorded.

NG interpretation

Safety and resale risk; alignment issues common.

Walk-away: YesRelated: Frame / Unibody, Total Loss

What to check

  • Pulling
  • Uneven tire wear
  • Jig report

Typical repairs (₦)

  • frame work800,000–₦2,000,000

Theft Record / Stolen Recovery

US definition

Vehicle was stolen and/or recovered.

NG interpretation

May have missing parts or damage.

Walk-away: Case-by-caseRelated: Accident Record

What to check

  • Locks
  • Modules
  • Wiring cuts

Typical repairs (₦)

  • locks wiring100,000–₦600,000

Title Brand (Generic)

US definition

Any official title label (Salvage, Rebuilt, Flood, Lemon).

NG interpretation

Brand strength guides risk and pricing.

Walk-away: DependsRelated: Salvage Title, Rebuilt Title, Flood Damage, Lemon

What to check

  • Exact text
  • State rules
  • Dates

Total Loss

US definition

Repair cost exceeded insurer/state threshold.

NG interpretation

High-severity incident; reliability risks later.

Walk-away: YesRelated: Salvage Title, Structural Damage

What to check

  • Structure
  • Suspension pickups
  • Module errors

Typical repairs (₦)

  • major rebuild1,500,000–₦3,500,000

Quick Nigerian Walk-Away Triggers

  • Flood brand plus corrosion at connectors
  • Salvage/Rebuilt with unresolved SRS faults
  • Structural damage with persistent pull/uneven tire wear
  • Not Actual Mileage and repeated auction flips
  • Fire damage beyond plastics

Typical Nigerian Repair Cost Bands (Guide)

  • bodywork minor100,000–₦300,000
  • panel replace paint300,000–₦800,000
  • frame structural800,000–₦2,000,000
  • airbag system600,000–₦1,200,000
  • wiring modules700,000–₦2,000,000
  • engine swap1,500,000–₦3,000,000
  • transmission800,000–₦2,200,000
Compliance & Disclaimer: Educational content by Tokunbo.io. Always review the official VIN report as the primary source of history.