Balances on auto accounts are too high compared with loan amounts

VantageScore code numbers

Code numbers can differ by bureau and score version. The wording of the statement is what to match.

What puts this reason on your score

VantageScore's explanation says the balances on your auto loans are high compared to the loan amounts. A $32,000 loan with $29,000 left is at about 91%. A longer term keeps the ratio high for longer, since each payment retires less of the balance.

VantageScore 3.0 has the same statement at code 66, so both versions read it. 4.0 adds code 71, 'Not enough balance paid down over time on auto accounts,' which looks at the trend instead of the snapshot.

What to check on your credit report

• The original amount and current balance on each auto loan
• A traded-in car's loan showing as paid and closed
• The same loan listed twice after a transfer between lenders

What you can do about it

• Keep making payments on time. The ratio improves with each one.
• Extra principal payments speed it up if your budget allows.
• Confirm that a paid-off or traded-in loan shows $0.

How soon a change can show

Each reported payment moves the ratio a little. It changes slowly on a new loan and faster as the loan ages.

If you are applying for a mortgage

A new car loan right before a mortgage adds a payment to your debt-to-income ratio and a fresh, barely paid-down balance. If you can, buy the car after closing.

Guides that go deeper

• What your credit score costs on a car loan, per monthCar loan rates move in steps at 501, 601, 661 and 781. Experian's Q2 2026 APRs by tier, what each line is worth, and buying with fair credit.
• Why paying off a loan can drop your score (and why it's still fine)You made the last car payment and your score fell. What changed on your report, how long the dip lasts, and when the timing of a payoff matters.
• How much credit mix counts in your scoreCredit mix is 10% of a FICO Score, and FICO says you don't need one of each account type. The math on taking a loan just to improve mix rarely works.
• What your credit score reason codes are telling youReason codes list what held your score back the most, in order. What the common ones mean, which you can act on, and which to leave alone.