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How to search NHTSA's database of recalls, defect investigations and consumer complaints

An on-line database on NHTSA’s Web site includes information on recalls, defect investigations (which are often a precursor to a recall) and consumer complaints on a particular vehicle or part. 

Please note that information on recalls is available only if the recall was initiated by NHTSA, and may not included recalls conducted only by the manufacturer.  Searching the NHTSA database therefore is no substitute for checking with an honest dealer about the recalls that may include your vehicle.

To search NHTSA’s database:

1. Go to  http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems
(There is additional information on this page as well including a link to the Vehicle Owners' Questionnaire, Monthly Defect Notifications, etc.)

2. Click on your choice:

• Recalls  
• Consumer Complaints
• Defect Investigations

3. If you know the specific recall or investigation number, enter it.  If not, click on vehicle, equipment, child safety seat, or tire. (We usually use "vehicle.") Hit "Search Selected Type."

4. Enter in the year (and hit "search"), the make (and hit "search”), and lastly the model (hit “search”). If you are searching for more than one model year or vehicle you will unfortunately have to do this search multiple times. Often, the documents overlap, but not always.

5. If there is a specific component that you are interested in, like airbags or seatbelts, select that component.  Sometimes components are listed in unpredictable ways and categories that may overlap. (When searching, we often just leave this selection blank to receive the most comprehensive response.)

5. Click on "See Full Report" before hitting "Submit" - this way you receive more information up-front.  If there are scads of results, you may want to uncheck this box to filter through the barebones information available with the summary.  (You can always view the summary if you wish do so by clicking "get summary" in the abbreviated record.)

6. Often, the "Documents Available" button actually leads to a list of PDFs uploaded onto the system from the defect investigation or recall or even from consumer complaints.  (We always double check this link.)

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