Vehicle safety standards, ratings and recalls

Plain guides to recalls, federal safety rules and the ratings and labels that matter

Federal rules set the minimum safety a vehicle and its parts must meet, and recalls fix defects found later. This page brings together our guides on checking for recalls, what key federal standards require, and the certification labels to look for on helmets, tiedowns, chargers and more.

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Recalls and defects

Check for open recalls often, and always before you buy a used car. Learn how to report a safety problem and how to avoid fake replacement parts.

Start hereVehicle recalls and safety defects: how to check, fix and reportHow to check for open recalls, get free repairs and report safety defectsRead the guideCounterfeit and substandard replacement air bags: a hidden risk in repaired carsHow fake inflators get into cars, the warning signs and how to check a car safelyRead the guide

Federal safety standards

Some safety features are required by federal rules. These guides explain what the rules for emergency braking, backup cameras, truck stability control and underride guards cover, and what they leave out.

Start hereAutomatic emergency braking: how it decides to brake, its limits and the 2029 ruleLearn where AEB falls short, how to pick a strong system and what FMVSS 127 changesRead the guideBackup and surround view cameras: what the federal rule covers and what the screen missesHow to read the camera picture, keep it clean and still check behind youRead the guideTruck rollover and stability control: what FMVSS 136 requires and what it cannot doSee which trucks need stability control and why speed and load still set the limitRead the guideTruck underride guards: how they work, what the rules cover and how to check themWhere federal rules stop, how to choose a labeled guard and how to inspect itRead the guide

Certified and tested gear

A certification label tells you a product passed a known test. Learn what to look for on helmets, pet restraints, tiedowns, chargers and body shops.

Start hereMotorcycle helmet safety: DOT standards, fit and when to replaceRead a DOT label, spot fake helmets, get a snug fit and know when to replaceRead the guideCertified bike and scooter helmets: how to read the label, fit it and replace it on timeWhich helmet suits your ride and speed, and the fit checks that keep it in placeRead the guideCrash tested pet restraints and carriers: why loose pets are risky and how to set one upChoose a pet harness, carrier or crate, size it right and install it securelyRead the guideRated tiedowns, chains and anchor points: matching working load limits to your cargoRead strap and chain ratings, check anchors and retire worn gear before it failsRead the guideElectric bike and scooter batteries and chargers: how to charge safely and prevent firesCheck for UL certification, match the charger and spot a failing battery earlyRead the guideBody shop certifications: what they prove, what they don’t and how to check your repairWhat credentials show and how to confirm a shop will follow your car’s repair stepsRead the guide

Ratings when you buy

Use crash test ratings and safety features to compare cars, and have a used car inspected before you buy.

Start hereChoosing a safe first car for your teen: what matters mostHow to pick a teen's first car using size, crash ratings, safety features and recallsRead the guideUsed car inspections should cover the structure, air bags, seat belts and safety sensorsWhat to check beyond the engine and how to weigh what the inspection findsRead the guideCar shopping: safe used and new carsPlain guides for choosing a safe car and checking a used car before you buySee the hub

More to read

Want to read more? See our guides to car safety technology, or check a used car with our car shopping guides.

Car safety technologyCar shopping

These guides offer general education, not legal or mechanical advice. Check open recalls for your vehicle, tires and car seats at NHTSA.gov.

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Guides, self-checks and articles for drivers, parents of new drivers, and families recovering after a crash.

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