Frequently Asked Questions
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File a Tires, Equipment or Child Seat Safety Complaint

Form Approved: O.M.B. No. 2127-0008

For Vehicle Safety Complaints, use the Vehicle Complaint Form.

Start your Child Seat, Equipment or Tire Complaint here:

Filling out this form

Types of safety complaints

There are three types of safety complaints you can report here.

  • Tires: All types of tires -- requires you to submit vehicle information as well.
  • Equipment: Non-original equipment -- replacement oil filters, wipers, RV accessories, lights, floor jacks, etc.
  • Child Restraint: All types of child restraints --infant seats, booster seats, convertibles, etc.

Time needed to complete

The average time to complete the minimum requirements of this form is eight to ten minutes. It is advised you gather the necessary information for your complaint type before completing the complaint form.

Information needed

Below is a list of items you will need for each type of Complaint.

  • Tires

      • Tire information needed
        • Tire Brand
        • Tire Line
        • Tire Size, (e.g., P275/75R16 89H)
        • Component*
        • DOT Number (Tire Identification Number) (Optional, but very important)
      • Vehicle information needed
        • Model Year
        • Make
        • Model
        • Component*
        • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (Optional, but very important)
          Found on registration or insurance card.

      * Component -- Part or system of concern

  • Equipment

      • Make
      • Model
      • Component *

      * Component -- Part or system of concern

  • Child Restraints

      • Make
      • Model Number
      • Type (only appears with some makes)
      • Date of Manufacture
      • Component*

      * Component -- Part or system of concern

  • Consumer


Send your suggestions or comments to webmaster@nhtsa.dot.gov.

All the information that you submit to NHTSA will be transmitted using secure mechanism.

The Privacy Act of 1974 - Public Law 93-579, As Amended: This information is requested pursuant to the authority vested in the National Highway Traffic Safety Act and subsequent amendments. You are under no obligation to respond to this questionnaire. Your response may be used to assist the NHTSA in determining whether a manufacturer should take appropriate action to correct a safety defect. If the NHTSA proceeds with administration enforcement or litigation against a manufacturer, your response, or statistical summary thereof, may be used in support of the agency's action.