How to File an Effective NHTSA Complaint
Do you know just how important it is to voice your concerns about a new vehicle you just purchased? Consumers play a very important role in finding out some hidden problems in cars and improving safety. How? By writing and filing NHTSA complaints.
So, you just bought a vehicle and it seems like something’s wrong with the seats? Or the tires? Does the engine sound a little bit off for a new vehicle? Make a report!
In 2023 alone, there were 1,000 recalls for vehicles, car seats, tires, RVs, and other equipment in the United States. These recalls affected more than 34 million vehicles and they all started from someone who filed a simple NHTSA complaint.
Did you know that Hyundai and Kia recently recalled millions of cars due to a fire risk? Recalls have saved thousands of lives and will continue to do so as long as car drivers can spot safety-related defects.
What is a safety-related defect?
A safety-related defect is any problem in a vehicle that stands as a risk to motor vehicle safety. It could exist in a group of same model vehicles or equipment. A good example of a safety-related defect is an accelerator control that sticks. This can cause unintended acceleration, making it challenging to slow down or stop the vehicle promptly.
A non-working radio, or scratches on your vehicles do not fall into this category and should not be reported. Nobody’s life can be in danger because of a broken radio or air conditioner.
If you have noticed a safety-related defect, your next step should be to submit a complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Before that, you need to understand what to include in a car complaint.
Tips for Consumers
What to include in an NHTSA complaint?
Here is a list of everything you that should be included in NHTSA vehicle complaints:
Full name and contact information: If you are submitting a complaint, you need to leave your contact information, just in case the investigators need some more information in the future.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): The 17-digit VIN number of your vehicle is also required. This will help them understand the exact options that came with your vehicle, and check if similar models have the same problems. You can easily find the VIN on the dashboard of your vehicle or on the driver’s side door jamb. It can also be found on the vehicle’s registration papers and other documents.
Year, make, and model of the vehicle: Of course, this information is required to make sure they are investigating the right car and model.
Clear description: Now, you need to include a very clear description of the safety-related defect you noticed. Make sure you avoid exaggerating anything. Just state it all as it is.
Mention damages: Explain clearly what you did, how the car responded, what gear you were in, how hard you braked, and write out the damages you encountered (if any).
Did you try to fix it?: Include if you tried to fix the problem, what you did, and how you did it.
Attach proof: If you have any proof or documentation to substantiate your claims, you can attach some. You can include photos, an accident report, police report, an auto mechanic’s report, or any document.
Don’t write multiple problems: If you have multiple safety-related defects, you will need to submit multiple complaints to avoid the NHTSA missing or overlooking anyone.
Share the context: You need to make sure you explain clearly and share context. Did the issue happen during your usual drive, or were you exploring uncharted territory? Also, consider the weather, traffic, and whether you were cruising through a bustling city, a quiet rural area, an intersection, or maybe even a parking lot.
Make suggestions: You can suggest any aftermarket equipment that may be relevant to the incident.
Why is it important to file a complaint?
To save lives! Every recall made brings in hundreds of thousands of vehicles and helps save lives! These recalls started from a simple complaint.
With an NHTSA Complaint an investigation can be initiated, vehicle’s recalled, and the roads will be safe for all.
How to file a complaint with the NHTSA
There are two methods you can use to submit a complaint with the NHTSA. You can:
Make an online complaint
Call the vehicle safety hotline
Making an Online Complaint
To submit your complaint online, simply follow these steps:
Visit the NHTSA website and click on “Report a Safety Problem.”
Next, select the type of problem you would like to report. The available options are vehicle, car seat (child), tire, and other vehicle-related equipment/product.
After making your selection, click on “Start form”.
Fill in the necessary information related to your safety concern.
Review the shared information and submit.
If you have any trouble with the form, you can contact the vehicle safety hotline and they will guide you through.
Call the vehicle safety hotline
The vehicle safety hotline is effective for car owners who don;t have email addresses or have problems filling the form. The NHTSA provides English-and-Spanish speaking staff members who can take questions and provide assistance.
Call NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (Hearing impaired? You can use this: TTY: 800-424-9153).
The hotline operates from 8 am to 8 pm ET, Monday to Friday
If you are a business owner or developer you can easily gain full access to a VIN decoder API. With this API, auto businesses can decode the VINs of their customers, verify NHTSA complaints search (recall search), and check for open recalls right from their own website or mobile application.
For more information, you can explore the packages provided by Vehicle Databases.
Let the NHTSA know if you feel your vehicle has a safety-related defect that has not been recalled yet. Check if your vehicle has been recalled recently, and keep yourself, your family, and your neighbors safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does NHTSA do for consumers?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ensures vehicle safety on American roadways. They do this by investigating defects, setting standards, providing consumer information, and enforcing regulations.
What is NHTSA compliant?
An NHTSA complaint is a formal report submitted to the NHTSA about a potential safety-related defect in a vehicle or equipment. This complaint can be submitted by anyone who notices this defect.
How long do NHTSA investigations take?
The duration varies but are usually resolved within 12 months from the day they are opened. After a series of investigations, submitted complaints can be closed or forwarded to the affected manufacturer to conduct a recall.
Who pays for recalls on cars?
The manufacturer covers all costs associated with vehicle recall and repair. It is completely free to the general public.
