Divers of automobiles and light trucks in the U.S. are holding on to their rides longer, as the numbers from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) show a gradual aging of the country’s light vehicle fleet.
According to the Bureau, the average age of an automobile in the U.S. rose from 9.1 years in 2020 to 14.5 years in 2025, a full 5.4 year increase. That is a 59% rise and represents an over 2.3% rise per year over the period.
Light trucks have followed a similar trend, moving from 8.4 year age to 11.9 years from 2000 to 2025. The 3.5 year difference is a nearly 42% increase.
In total, BTS statistic (below) show that the average age of the combined fleet went from 8.9 to 12.8 years over the period, a rise of nearly 44%.
The lack of data from 2017 through 2021 is not explained. Nonetheless, there is enough data on either side of the gap to see that the trend is quite clear.
Overall, its been evident for some time that the quality of cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. have been on the rise. Which simply states that, on average, a car does not find its way to the junk heap as quickly as in the past.
In fact, it used to be that rust was the ultimate killer of cars and trucks. Today, a serious accident will likely be needed to truly take a vehicle off the road.
And its driver and passengers are far more likely to survive…
The statistics, with a cleaner look at the chart, can be seen here.
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The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY
U.S. light vehicle fleet continues to age
Divers of automobiles and light trucks in the U.S. are holding on to their rides longer, as the numbers from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) show a gradual aging of the country’s light vehicle fleet.
According to the Bureau, the average age of an automobile in the U.S. rose from 9.1 years in 2020 to 14.5 years in 2025, a full 5.4 year increase. That is a 59% rise and represents an over 2.3% rise per year over the period.
Light trucks have followed a similar trend, moving from 8.4 year age to 11.9 years from 2000 to 2025. The 3.5 year difference is a nearly 42% increase.
In total, BTS statistic (below) show that the average age of the combined fleet went from 8.9 to 12.8 years over the period, a rise of nearly 44%.
The lack of data from 2017 through 2021 is not explained. Nonetheless, there is enough data on either side of the gap to see that the trend is quite clear.
Overall, its been evident for some time that the quality of cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. have been on the rise. Which simply states that, on average, a car does not find its way to the junk heap as quickly as in the past.
In fact, it used to be that rust was the ultimate killer of cars and trucks. Today, a serious accident will likely be needed to truly take a vehicle off the road.
And its driver and passengers are far more likely to survive…
The statistics, with a cleaner look at the chart, can be seen here.
——————————————————————-
The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
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The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY