Data and Documents at VSIRC:

Phase 1 of VSIRC includes four datasets based on records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:  Recalls, Defect Investigations, Complaints, and Crash / Compliance Tests.  Documents associated with the records are linked for easy retrieval and more detailed research.

The second phase of VSIRC, which is currently underway, will include databases with the death, injury, and property damage claims from Early Warning Reporting data submitted by manufacturers to NHTSA.

VSIRC will regularly be adding and enhancing features as well as bringing in new data and documents.

About the data:

All records originate from NHTSA. None of the agency records have been altered. However, the records have been re-mapped to overcome coding errors and inconsistencies by the agency. Missing records that were identified by VSIRC were added to the datasets using government source documents. VSIRC has also mapped vehicles, makes, models and model years to allow users to automatically obtain and view records on Model Ranges and Model Twins.

Searching the data:

VSIRC offers sophisticated search tools with easy-to-use interfaces that can be tailored for broad-based research or very narrow results. Searching VSIRC is designed to identify relevant records by using our unique mapping system that accommodates coding errors, inconsistencies, and missing information, as well as NHTSA records and documents unavailable from the agency. This system ensures users can maximize their ability to retrieve the data and documents they need.

Some of the VSIRC search capabilities include:

  • The ability to perform one search across all four datasets or to search each dataset individually.
  • The ability to search by an entire manufacturer or make (eg., All complaints, recalls and investigations related involving Ford frontal airbags).
  • The ability to text search across all fields allows users to tightly narrow results beyond component categories (e.g., seat belt buckle complaints in which the release button broke).
  • Automatic retrieval of data on model range and model twins.
  • Tabbed results that provide tallies and easy sorting.
  • Elimination of duplicate results.
  • Broad-based historical and issue research (e.g., all recalls involving a violation of FMVSS 301; all side-impact testing involving GM vehicles; the number of defect investigations involving tire failures).
  • Fast retrieval of data and associated documents allowing on-the-fly research.
  • Built-in search intelligence brings back “related records” that are otherwise missed due to coding errors and inconsistent or incomplete coding.

Data and Documents Updates:

Data and associated documents for the Recalls, Defect Investigations and Complaints are updated daily. Crash and Compliance data are updated weekly. Before additions are made to the VSIRC, our staff examines data and documents to ensure accuracy and quality control.

Datasets:

The following is an overview of each VSIRC dataset and the accompanying documents:

Recalls:

The VSIRC recalls dataset includes all NHTSA recalls from 1966 to the present. Recall records are linked to the actual recall documents submitted by manufacturers to the agency. VSIRC’s collection of more than 14,000 recall documents, the most comprehensive recall document collection available, includes 99.6 percent of all NHTSA recalls (in PDF format). VSIRC updates the recalls dataset daily.

Defect Investigations:

The VSIRC Defect Investigations dataset includes more than 5,500 NHTSA defect investigations from 1966 to the present. This VSIRC dataset is the most comprehensive available and includes more than 1,000 investigations unavailable though the agency’s Defect Investigations search. Investigations not found in NHTSA data have been added using agency source documents

Linked to the associated defect investigation records are the NHTSA Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) Opening and Closing Resumes and investigation indices. The Opening and Closing Resumes provide researchers with the agency’s explanation for the initiation of the investigation along with the closing disposition of the inquiry (e.g., recall, no defect trend). Older NHTSA defect investigation files did not include Opening and Closing Resumes. As a result, the VSIRC examined investigation files and included materials that help users understand the agency’s rationale for the investigation and its final disposition. In some instances, particularly investigations from the 1960s and 1970s, very little documentation exists. Defect investigation indices, which detail the documents within an investigation file, are provided to the extent they were generated.

Currently, VSIRC has associated resumes and/or indices for approximately half of all agency defect investigations. Additional documents are routinely being added, and will continue to be added, until the historical data are complete. This dataset is also updated daily. (Complete defect investigation files can be requested through VSIRC) (Link requested through VSIRC to Document Requests)

Complaints:

The VSRIC Complaints database is the most comprehensive available and includes more that one million consumer complaints to the agency beginning in 1976. NHTSA’s online database is limited to the last 10 years of complaints, approximately 600,000 records.

Some consumer complaints include an associated Vehicle Owner Questionnaire or letter (VOQ). These VOQs often contain additional information from the consumer. The VSIRC includes the VOQs for more than 250,000 complaints – 200,000 more than NHTSA’s online database. Complaints without links to VOQs indicate that either no VOQ was generated, or the associated VOQ is unavailable. The Complaints data are updated daily.

Crash / Compliance Tests:

The VSIRC Crash / Compliance Test database includes more than 10,000 NHTSA-sponsored crash and compliance tests and tests submitted to the agency performed by other entities (e.g., Transport Canada, IIHS, etc.). VSIRC Crash / Compliance Test database contains more than 5,000 tests that are unavailable in any government online search. With respect to compliance tests, VSIRC’s database includes child restraints, motorcycle helmets, FMVSS 216 (roof strength) and additional vehicle crash testing that is not part of the agency’s crash test catalog (e.g., FMVSS 214 Side Impact, FMVSS 301 Fuel System Integrity, FMVSS 208 Occupant Protection).

Complete crash / compliance reports and photographs for more than 7,000 tests are linked to the data as are more than 1,200 associated test videos. VSIRC is actively adding reports, photographs and videos to this collection.