How does NHTSA conduct an investigation?
The agency’s Office of Defects Investigation investigative process consists of four parts: • Screening — A preliminary review of consumer complaints and other information related to alleged defects to decide whether to open an investigation • Petition Analysis — An analysis of any petitions calling for defect investigations and/or reviews of safety-related recalls • Investigation — The investigation of alleged safety defects • Recall Management — Investigation of the effectiveness of safety recalls. 1. Screening: Under the screening process, available information – including but not limited to Vehicle Owner’s Questionnaires (submitted through the Vehicle Safety Hotline, Internet or U.S. Mail), e-mail, additional letters, anonymous reports, and manufacturer-submitted information – is reviewed by the Defects Assessment Division (DAD). DAD also reviews incoming service bulletins and other documents prepared by the manufacturers to identify foreign safety recalls, customer satisfaction
