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For most of us, safety is a top concern when buying a new car. We check crash test ratings and research consumer reports hoping to find a vehicle we can trust. So what happens when your trusty car’s brakes unexpectedly fail or the steering wheel suddenly breaks? How do you spread the word about a potential safety defect? One way is by contacting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In fact, the NHTSA actively seeks complaints from consumers as it oversees and manages the recall of defective vehicles.
Generally, a safety defect is a problem with a group of vehicles or equipment from the same manufacturer. This can vary from windshield wiper malfunction to seatbelt failure to fuel leakage. Although car manufacturers often initiate recalls on their own, the NHTSA is generally quicker to respond and investigate potential risks. Even if the problem seems minor, if it poses a safety risk to drivers, the NHTSA wants to hear about it.
The NHTSA finds out about vehicle defects mainly from consumers who’ve reported issues directly to them. To ensure the greatest response from consumers, the NHTSA makes reporting alleged defects as easy as possible through the Web site, www.safercar.gov. The agency also accepts phone calls (through the DOT Vehicle Safety Hotline) and written complaints. You can file a complaint for vehicles, vehicle equipment, tires, or child safety seats.
If you think your complaint won’t make a difference, think again. While there’s no set rule on how many complaints warrant a recall investigation, every one is carefully reviewed by experts and entered into a consumer complaint database. If a trend starts to emerge, the NHTSA will open an in-depth investigation to determine whether a recall is necessary. It could be your complaint that spurs the investigation.
In addition, the NHTSA makes all complaints available to the public (anonymously of course), which can be a great research tool if you’re in the market for a new or used car. So, help the NHTSA help you (and others) by making them aware of vehicle safety issues. It could just save a life!
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Contact the NHTSA |
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Think your vehicle has a defect? If you think you and others may be at risk, don't be afraid to speak up.
Visit
www.safercar.gov
Call
1-888-327-4236
Write
NHTSA, Office of Defects Investigation (NVS-210)
400 7th St., SW
Washington, DC 20590
(Call the number above to obtain a complaint form or download it from their site.)
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*Source: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
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