National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Vehicle & Child Car Seat Safety Hotline

AKA:

Car Safety Standards; Car recalls; Car Seat Recalls; US DOT Auto Safety Hotline

Description:

Provides literature on such topics as air bags, mpg ratings, crash tests, tire ratings, and child restraint devices. The Safety Administration has no authority in non-safety matters (e.g. warranty disputes, contracts, financing, or condition of used vehicles). However, the agency accepts reports of suspected safety defects in their vehicle, vehicle equipment and defects in child safety seats. Makes referrals for problems outside Safety Administration jurisdiction. Provides safety, defect, and recall history of motor vehicles by make, model, and year; postal forms for contacting manufacturers for determining whether a specific vehicle has defects that are being corrected through recall; and forms for reporting possible safety-related vehicle problems which are forwarded to the engineering staff for a manufacturer review and appropriate follow-up action. Provides recommendations based on age for appropriate car seats.

Hours:

Mon - Fri 7:00 am - 7:00 pm Central Standard Time

Intake Process:

Call or visit website for information or to make a complaint or report defects in vehicles; under the nhtsa.org website; alternate website: nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats and www.mhpsa.gov; may register for information on child car seats by emailing: childseatregistration@dot.gov

Program Fees:

No Fee

Eligibility:

Persons seeking information about child seat and vehicle safety issues and recalls

Is Shelter?

No

Date of Official Change:

May 11, 2023

Geographies Served

• Serves All Areas

Address Listings

Contacts

Phone Numbers

Legal Status:

Federal