Report Unsafe Vehicles & Child Car Seats

Consumers should report unsafe automobiles, tires (and all automobile parts), trucks, motorcycles, and child restraint systems to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In addition, sometimes these reports are and can be made by an injured consumer’s legal counsel, i.e. their attorney or lawyer that is investigating the merits of a product liability lawsuit on behalf of the injured or killed individual.

Steps to Filing a Report with the NHTSA

The NHTSA has made reporting dangerous or hazardous vehicular products very simple.

You can use the online forms at the NHTSA website to report an injury or death and to file a complaint about an unsafe:

• automobile
• tire
• automobile part
• truck
• motorcycle
• child restraint system, aka. car seat
• child car seat
• infant car seat or booster seat

Link to NHTSA Form: https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

In addition, you can also report vehicular related defects by phone (888) 327-4236 or letter (Office of Defects Investigations/CRD, NVS-216, 1200 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, DC 20590).

What to Expect After Filing a Report with NHTSA

Your complaint information will be entered into NHTSA’s vehicle owner’s complaint database and used with other complaints to determine if a safety-related defect trend exists.

• If a safety-related defect exists in a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment, the manufacturer must fix it at no cost to the owner. Your complaint is the first step in the process.
• Government engineers analyze the problem. If warranted, the manufacturer is asked to conduct a recall. If the manufacturer does not initiate a recall, the government can order the manufacturer to initiate a recall.
• The NHTSA does not have to receive a specific number of complaints before they look into a problem. They simply gather all available information on a problem.
• While you may or may not be contacted by a NHTSA investigator to clarify the information submitted, all reports are reviewed and analyzed for potential defects trends.

Related Articles:

• Infant Car Seat Recall
• Goodyear Marathon Tires Recall Lawsuit
• Major Causes of Collisions
• Steps to Filing a Report/Complaint with the CPSC

FAQs

1. How can reporting unsafe vehicles and child car seats to the NHTSA improve public safety?

Reporting unsafe vehicles and car seats helps the NHTSA identify and address safety issues, leading to improved product safety, better consumer protection, and prevention of injuries or deaths caused by hazardous products.

2. Can I report unsafe vehicles or child car seats that are currently under recall?

Yes, you can report vehicles or car seats that are under recall if you believe the recall actions are insufficient or if you have additional information about the hazard. This helps the NHTSA ensure recalls are effective.

3. How can I find more information about reporting unsafe vehicles and child car seats to the NHTSA?

You can find more information on the NHTSA’s official website, which provides resources, reporting forms, and detailed instructions on how to report unsafe vehicles and car seats. The website also offers access to safety alerts, recall notices, and consumer safety education materials.

4. What should I do if I have been injured by an unsafe vehicle or child car seat?

Seek medical attention if needed, document the incident and any injuries, keep the product and any related documents, and report the incident to the NHTSA. Consider consulting with an attorney to discuss your legal options for compensation.

5. Will my complaint to the NHTSA automatically lead to a recall?

Not necessarily. The NHTSA reviews all complaints and looks for patterns of defects. A single complaint may not trigger a recall, but it contributes to the database that helps identify safety issues. Multiple similar complaints increase the likelihood of an investigation that could lead to a recall.

6. How long does the NHTSA investigation process typically take?

NHTSA investigations can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the complexity of the issue, the number of vehicles or products affected, and the cooperation of manufacturers. Critical safety issues may be expedited, while more complex technical problems may require extended engineering analysis.

7. Can I remain anonymous when filing a report with the NHTSA?

While you can request confidentiality when filing a report, the NHTSA may need your contact information to follow up for additional details about your experience. Your personal identifying information will not be disclosed publicly without your consent.

Get a Free Car Seat Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action related to unsafe vehicles and child car seats. Most states impose strict statutes of limitations—typically just 1-3 years from the date of injury—after which you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation.

Vehicle and car seat defect cases involve complex technical and legal issues that require specialized expertise.

Manufacturers have teams of attorneys dedicated to defending against such claims, making it essential to secure experienced representation.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your potential case
• No upfront costs or fees for our services
• Payment only if we win your case and secure compensation for you
• Attorneys with specific experience in automotive product liability cases