FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Auto Loan Delinquencies Fall for Eighth Consecutive Quarter

The national auto delinquency rate did fall for the eight consecutive quarter on a year-over-year basis, but it did show a modest increase from the second quarter, Transunion reported today.

by Staff
November 22, 2011
2 min to read


CHICAGO — The national auto delinquency rate did fall for the eight consecutive quarter on a year-over-year basis, but it did show a modest increase from the second quarter, Transunion reported today.

The delinquency rate dropped from 0.58 percent in the year-ago quarter to 0.47 percent in the third quarter, but it did rise from 0.44 percent in the second quarter. The credit reporting agency said it expected the slight quarterly increase, but it did note that the rate continues to show a moderate deceleration on a year-over-year basis since the third quarter of 2010.  

Ad Loading...

"Third quarter rates have consistently been greater than second quarter rates since 2000 -- primarily due to seasonal influences," said Peter Turek, automotive vice president in TransUnion's financial services business unit. "The number of new auto loans coming on the books has continued trending upward since the end of the recession. A primary driver of this is relaxed lending policies of creditors. However, on a year-over-year basis, delinquencies have now dropped for eight consecutive quarters, even in the face of increased lending to the subprime market."

Between the second and third quarters of 2011, 15 states experienced decreases in their auto delinquency rates. On a more granular level, 54 percent of metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) realized increases in their delinquency rates last quarter. During the second quarter of 2011, 40 percent of MSAs experienced a rise in auto delinquency rates compared to only 36 percent in the first quarter of this year.

"The good news is that national auto delinquency rates are still at historic lows and should remain so this year as the demand forecast for new and used vehicles indicates continued growth," added Turek. " Barring any substantial changes in the macroeconomic environment, we see auto delinquency rates early next year remaining near current record lows. However, there is some upward pressure building on delinquency rates as long periods of high unemployment and low consumer sentiment take their toll on consumers."

More F&I

Man holding magnifying glass over sales volume paper.
F&IMay 29, 2026

Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You

Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.

Read More →
Photo of woman typing on a laptop as she sits on a couch
F&Iby Hannah MitchellMay 29, 2026

Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity

A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.

Read More →
Dustin Gingerich standing on stage giving a presentation
F&Iby Lauren LawrenceMay 28, 2026

Humble and Hungry: 12 Rules for an F&I Life

Dustin Gingerich, with a decade in the F&I business under his belt, shares his thoughts on leadership, building trust with customers, and the importance of learning and innovation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of businessman's hands resting on files on a desk
F&Iby John TabarMay 27, 2026

Focus on the Opening

F&I managers must learn as much as possible about their customers, starting before they walk into their offices. The bulk of today’s consumers expect that, and good results will follow.

Read More →
Photo of a three-seat vehicle back seat
F&Iby Hannah MitchellMay 22, 2026

F&I Reaches for the Sky

The increasingly important profit center continued making gains in the first quarter, according to StoneEagle data, ancillary products proving more popular as consumers hold onto their buys longer.

Read More →
Cover image for a BOK Financial report titled “Timing the market: How avoiding volatility entirely can hurt long-term reinsurance program performance.” The image shows several road construction barricades with flashing amber warning lights lined up in a nighttime work zone. Beneath the image, red text explains that avoiding volatility can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long-term surplus growth. The BOK Financial logo appears at the bottom right.
SponsoredMay 8, 2026

Timing the Market Can Hurt Long-Term Program Performance

For dealer-owned reinsurance entities, avoiding volatility entirely can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long term surplus growth. Missing just a handful of strong market days can materially impact cumulative returns—an important reminder for long horizon trust and investment strategies.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Ryan Ruff, The 90/10 Rule, Automotive Training Academy, Sales Series
F&IMay 6, 2026

The 90/10 Rule

In this video, Ryan Ruff explains the rule that elite sales professionals use to turn ordinary conversations into unforgettable customer experiences.

Read More →
Photo of essential oil diffuser on desk next to laptop
F&IMay 4, 2026

Your Office Is Talking

What’s the atmosphere saying about you to your customers? You can make minor adjustments and additions that transform your space into one that creates trust with the people on the other side of the desk.

Read More →
"Effective training ensures the customer’s needs remain at the heart of everything we do. When that is the focus, both sales and profits naturally improve." by Rick McCormick with F&I and Showroom logo and picture of Rick McCormick
F&IMay 1, 2026

F&I Training Fundamentals

How can auto dealerships help F&I managers fulfill their vital role in the most effective ways? Industry expert Rick McCormick shares his insights on the best ways to train these professionals and help them maintain good habits.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of car tire and the tread mark it left in snow
F&Iby Hannah MitchellApril 29, 2026

Not Just Any Tire Will Do

More consumers and businesses are opting for all-season options for various reasons as safety, sustainability and convenience push practical change.

Read More →