Car owners play a vital role in improving vehicle safety. Submitting complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can help identify issues that lead to recalls, repairs, and safer roads for everyone. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to include in your complaint, how to format it, and what to avoid.

What to Include in Your Complaint

Personal Information
- Your name and contact info: Essential for investigators to follow up if needed.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Found on your dashboard (near the windshield) or on your car registration. It helps identify where and when your car was made.

Vehicle Details
- Year, make, and model.
- Whether the car was bought new or used.
- Mileage at the time of the issue.

Event Description
- Clearly describe the problem in one sentence at the start.
- Detail what you did, how the car responded, and the sequence of events (e.g., speed, gear, brake application).
- State the result (e.g., crash, injury, or near miss).
- Mention airbag deployment (if applicable), as it indicates severity.

Supporting Evidence
- Attach relevant maintenance records, photos, or police reports.
- Share any findings from a mechanic.

Context
- Describe the setting: routine trip vs. unusual conditions, road/weather/traffic conditions, and location (urban, rural, parking lot, etc.).
- Note any aftermarket equipment installed that may relate to the incident.

What Not to Include

• Storytelling: Stick to the facts. Avoid emotional or exaggerated narratives.
• Multiple Problems: File separate complaints for different issues to ensure proper categorization.

How to Submit Your Complaint

• Visit the Complaints & Defects page on safercar.gov.

• Provide all the requested information, focusing on accuracy and clarity.

• Alternatively, call the NHTSA hotline at 888-327-4236 to file your report.

Why File a Complaint?

• Influence recalls: Your complaint may prompt investigations that lead to recalls or repairs.
• Improve safety: Help identify trends in vehicle issues before others get hurt.
• Quick process: Filing a complaint takes about 5 minutes but can make a lasting impact on road safety.

Take action—your input can save lives!

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