Millions of cars drive around the country every day. Some cars will break down. If you car has a safety defect, report it immediately. You should also report any safety difficulties with tires, non-original equipment and child restraints.
How reporting defects helps
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is charged with keeping an eye on the safety of autos and vehicle-related products on the road. Everything can’t be tested by the NHTSA with so numerous cars around. By reporting possible safety defects, you help the NHTSA “connect the dots” and know what to investigate. These are how recalls and investigation end up coming about. Car manufacturers won’t admit to you that something is wrong but being required by the NHTSA to make a recall might help you out quite a bit.
Reports that should be made
The NHTSA likes it when any concern about safety is brought to their attention. For example, if your brakes appear to fail, that should be reported. Airbag malfunctions have to be reported. Report child seat problems, tires difficulties, and issues with other components as well. Anything that might make a crash happen, make a crash worse, or hurt any person should be on this list.
Getting in contact with the NHTSA
Reporting a possible problem to the NHTSA is relatively easy. You can report a problem online, at the Office of Defects Investigation website or by calling 888-327-4236. You’ll have to know the make and model of the car you need to complain about. You will also have to give the NHTSA your contact details, in case it does launch an investigation. This information helps the agency add info to its database, where it will connect the information to other complaints of that very same problem.
Additional reading
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation website
odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm
