When a vehicle experiences an unexpected safety problem, the owner may be focused on getting repairs or dealing with the aftermath of a crash. Depending on the issue at hand, reporting a concern to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) may also be warranted.
Consumer complaints help federal safety officials identify patterns that could indicate widespread defects affecting thousands of vehicles. By filing an NHTSA complaint in the wake of a concerning safety issue, a single driver could spark a chain of events that could save others’ lives.
Consumer reports help keep the roads safe
The NHTSA accepts reports involving a wide variety of potential safety concerns. Brake failures, steering problems, defective airbags, tire failures, fuel system issues, electrical malfunctions, unintended acceleration, seat belt defects and other problems that could increase the risk of a crash or injury may all inspire a need to submit such a report. Even if a problem has only occurred once, reporting it may contribute to a larger investigation if similar complaints are received from other drivers.
When filing a complaint, it is helpful to provide as much information as possible. Details about a vehicle’s make, model, year, mileage and vehicle identification number can assist investigators. A clear description of what occurred, including when the incident happened and whether it resulted in property damage, injuries or a collision, may also strengthen the urgency of a report.
Although submitting a complaint does not guarantee that the NHTSA will open a formal investigation or issue a recall, every report becomes part of a database that safety experts monitor for recurring issues. Multiple complaints involving similar defects may lead to additional investigation, manufacturer inquiries or, in some cases, nationwide recalls to address dangerous conditions.
At the end of the day, reporting dangerous defects may not only strengthen the legal options of an injury victim – who may be entitled to compensation for the harm they’ve suffered – but may also help prevent future injuries to others.
