Data Sources

NHTSA Recalls Database

Source: api.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls

The primary data source. The NHTSA recall database covers all safety recalls issued for vehicles, tires, and equipment sold in the United States, going back to 1966. Each recall record includes the affected make, model, years, component, defect description, and manufacturer remedy.

Updated: daily automated fetch.

NHTSA Owner Complaints

Source: api.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints

Owner complaints are filed directly by vehicle owners with NHTSA when they experience a safety issue. Each complaint includes the component, incident description, crash/fire/injury indicators, and odometer reading.

Limitation: Complaints are self-reported by owners and are not independently verified by NHTSA or RecallScout. A high complaint count does not necessarily indicate a confirmed defect.

NHTSA Safety Ratings (5-Star Program)

Source: api.nhtsa.dot.gov/SafetyRatings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings are the result of standardized crash tests performed on new vehicles. Ratings cover overall safety, frontal crash, side crash, and rollover. Ratings are available for model years 1990 and newer where testing was conducted.

NHTSA Safety Investigations

Source: api.nhtsa.dot.gov/investigations

NHTSA opens formal investigations when complaint patterns or other data suggest a potential safety defect. An open investigation may eventually lead to a recall, or it may be closed without action. We display open investigations as an early warning signal.