OTD Score Methodology
How we compute dealer grades — and why payment never influences the score.
Independence Guarantee
OTD Scores are computed automatically from live market data. The scoring algorithm has no input for payment status, tier level, or any commercial relationship. A dealer who pays $299/mo receives the same algorithmic treatment as a dealer who has never heard of OTDCheck. Payment unlocks display features (badges, boosted placement, analytics) — never the score itself.
Scoring Factors
Each dealer is scored on three equally weighted dimensions:
Pricing Fairness (33%)
We compare a dealer's listing prices against market averages for the same make, model, year, and mileage range within their metro area. Dealers consistently priced near or below market average score higher. Dealers with frequent above-market pricing score lower.
Recall Compliance (33%)
We cross-reference a dealer's active inventory VINs against the NHTSA recall database. Dealers who list vehicles with open, unrepaired recalls receive deductions proportional to the severity and count of outstanding recalls. Safety-critical recalls (airbags, brakes, steering) carry heavier weight.
Inventory Transparency (33%)
We measure how consistently a dealer provides complete listing information: price, mileage, photos, and vehicle details. Dealers who list vehicles without prices, hide mileage, or provide minimal information score lower on transparency.
Grade Scale
Plus/minus modifiers (A+, A, A-, B+, etc.) provide finer granularity within each band.
Data Sources
- • 750,000+ vehicle listings from 10+ sources, updated multiple times daily
- • NHTSA recall database (213,000+ complaints, real-time recall data)
- • 43,000+ dealer profiles across all 50 US states
- • DealerRater consumer reviews
- • State Attorney General complaint records
Score Recalculation
Scores are recalculated continuously as new data flows in. A dealer's score today reflects their current inventory, pricing, and recall compliance — not historical behavior. This means scores can improve quickly when a dealer addresses issues, and can decline if practices change.
Badge Revocation
Paid badge tiers require minimum scores. If a dealer's score drops below their tier minimum:
- Warning email — Score drop notification with 30-day grace period
- Grace period — Score may recover naturally as new data flows in
- Auto-downgrade — Badge paused, subscription adjusted to eligible tier
- No manual overrides — Ever. This is the trust foundation.
Score minimums by tier: Verified requires C+ or higher. Featured requires B- or higher. Spotlight requires B+ or higher. The free Claimed tier has no minimum score requirement.
FTC Compliance & Consumer Protection
The OTDCheck Honest Dealer Program is designed to comply with FTC regulations governing endorsements and advertising (16 CFR Part 255). Here is how we maintain compliance:
Score Independence
The scoring algorithm is fully automated and has zero connection to payment status. No OTDCheck employee can manually adjust a dealer's score. The codebase enforces this separation — the scoring pipeline does not have access to billing data.
Paid Placement Disclosure
"Featured" and "Spotlight" dealers always display a visible "Sponsored" or "Featured Partner" label. Per FTC guidelines, this disclosure uses the same or larger font size as surrounding text, appears in close proximity to the claim, and is not hidden behind a click or hover.
No "Certified" Language
In states like New York and California, "certified" has specific legal meaning in automotive contexts (requires a manufacturer inspection program). OTDCheck uses "Verified" for badge status and "Top Rated" for earned recognition, avoiding any regulated terminology.
Automated Revocation
Badge revocation is fully automated based on score thresholds. There are no manual override mechanisms. This addresses the regulatory concern raised in the FTC's $200K enforcement action against TRUSTe for promising recertification reviews and not performing them. OTDCheck's scoring runs continuously from live data.
Badge Links to This Page
Every badge instance — on OTDCheck and embedded on dealer websites — links directly to this methodology page. Consumers can always verify how scores are calculated and that payment does not influence grades.