Our Methodology
How We Analyze Vehicle Safety Data
Overview
SafeCarInfo employs a rigorous, data-driven methodology to analyze vehicle safety information. Our goal is to transform raw government data into actionable insights that help consumers make informed decisions about vehicle safety. This page explains our data sources, scoring algorithms, and the analytical processes we use.
Data Sources
Primary Source: NHTSA
All recall information displayed on our website is sourced directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
NHTSA Data API
We utilize the official NHTSA Recalls API to fetch:
- Recall campaign numbers and dates
- Affected vehicle make, model, and year ranges
- Component defect descriptions
- Safety consequence summaries
- Manufacturer remedy information
- Number of potentially affected units
Data Freshness
Our database is updated weekly using Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR). This ensures that new recalls are reflected on our site within 7 days of being published by NHTSA. For real-time recall checks, we recommend visiting NHTSA.gov/recalls.
Reliability Score Calculation
Our proprietary Reliability Score provides a quick assessment of a vehicle's recall history. Here's how we calculate it:
Base Formula
Reliability Score = 100 - (Recall Impact) - (Complaint Impact) - (Investigation Impact)Scoring Components
Each recall deducts points based on severity:
- Safety-critical recalls (airbags, brakes, steering): -8 points each
- Moderate recalls (electrical, fuel system): -5 points each
- Minor recalls (labels, cosmetic): -2 points each
Consumer complaints contribute to the score:
- 0-10 complaints: -0 points
- 11-50 complaints: -5 points
- 51-100 complaints: -10 points
- 100+ complaints: -15 points (capped)
Active NHTSA investigations affect the score:
- Open investigation: -10 points each
- Pending investigation: -5 points each
- Closed (no action): -0 points
Score Interpretation
Component Classification
We categorize recalled components into severity tiers based on their potential impact on vehicle safety:
Critical Components (High Severity)
- Air Bags
- Brakes / Brake Systems
- Steering
- Fuel System
- Seat Belts
Moderate Components (Medium Severity)
- Electrical System
- Engine / Powertrain
- Suspension
- Transmission
- Lighting
Minor Components (Low Severity)
- Labels / Stickers
- Visibility (wipers, mirrors)
- Equipment (accessories)
- Interior trim
Year-over-Year Analysis
For vehicles with multiple model years in our database, we perform comparative analysis to identify trends:
- Improvement Detection: When a newer model year has fewer recalls than the previous year, we highlight this as a positive trend.
- Regression Detection: If a newer model year shows increased recalls, we flag this for user awareness.
- Recurring Issues: When the same component is recalled across multiple years, we identify this as a potential systemic concern.
Brand Safety Grades
We assign letter grades to manufacturers based on their overall recall performance:
Limitations & Disclaimers
⚠️ Important Considerations
- Historical Data Only: Our scores reflect past recall history and do not predict future issues.
- Not a Safety Guarantee: A high score does not guarantee a vehicle is free from defects.
- Recall Completion Unknown: We cannot verify if recalls have been completed on individual vehicles.
- U.S. Data Only: Our data covers vehicles sold in the United States and may not apply to other markets.
- Algorithm Updates: Our scoring methodology may be updated periodically to improve accuracy.
Quality Assurance
We maintain data quality through:
- Automated Validation: Scripts verify data integrity after each update cycle.
- Cross-Reference Checks: We periodically compare our data against NHTSA's official website.
- User Feedback: We investigate and correct reported discrepancies. Contact us if you find an error.
About SafeCarInfo
SafeCarInfo is an automotive safety data platform founded in 2024. We specialize in aggregating, analyzing, and presenting official NHTSA vehicle safety data in an accessible format for consumers making vehicle purchasing decisions.
📊 Our Data at a Glance
Automated Data Pipeline
Real-time NHTSA API Integration
Our systems automatically fetch and process data from the official NHTSA Recalls API every week. Each data point is validated against the source and cross-referenced for accuracy.
Proprietary Analysis Engine
Reliability Scoring Algorithm
Our scoring algorithms weigh recall severity, component type, and consumer complaint patterns to generate actionable reliability scores. The methodology is documented and transparent.
Quality Assurance
Accuracy & Transparency
We label estimated data clearly, cite all sources, and provide direct links to official NHTSA records. Our goal is to help consumers, not to mislead them.
🏛️ Our Commitment to Transparency
Data Source: All recall and complaint data is sourced exclusively from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a government agency under the Department of Transportation.
No Paid Placements: Vehicle rankings and scores are calculated algorithmically based on safety data. We do not accept payment to modify scores or rankings.
Last methodology review: January 2026
Next scheduled review: April 2026
Questions?
If you have questions about our methodology or would like to suggest improvements, please visit our Contact Page or email us at methodology@safecarinfo.com.