Vehicle Safety Guides
Factual, step-by-step guides to understanding vehicle safety data, checking for recalls, and reporting safety problems. All information is based on official NHTSA procedures and federal law.
How to Check If Your Car Has a Recall
Three methods to verify open recalls for your vehicle — VIN lookup, search by make/model, or contact a dealer.
NHTSA Safety Ratings Explained
Understand the 5-star rating system: frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests — what the stars mean and their limitations.
What to Do If Your Car Is Recalled
Step-by-step guide to getting a free recall repair, understanding your legal rights, and what to do if the dealer won't help.
How to File a Complaint with NHTSA
Report a vehicle safety problem to NHTSA online or by phone. Your complaint can trigger an investigation and a recall.
All data is sourced from NHTSA public records. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or any government agency. Complaint data represents unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects. For official information, visit nhtsa.gov.