Recently implemented, the Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act protects the confidentiality of whistleblowers who come forward on potential vehicle safety issues and violations of the law.  The act also allows the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) to offer awards to those that report vehicle safety defects. 

            Congress enacted Whistleblower program to encourage individuals knowledgeable of vehicle safety problems to authorities while also offering monetary incentive to those that speak up against major motor companies. The Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act applies broadly to safety- related vehicle and vehicle- equipment defects, which includes the lack of notifying such failures or defects to the government. 

            Any employee or contractor of a motor vehicle manufacturer, dealership, or part supplier is encouraged to be a whistleblower. There are no required forms to complete in order to submit information regarding your vehicle. NHTSA encourages individuals to contact them at NHTSAWhistleblower@dot.gov and include any necessary information that relates to the vehicle’s safety defect. All information is kept confidential by NHTSA. 

            If you would like to speak to an attorney about your rights under the Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act, or to discuss a vehicle defect, contact Shub Law Firm at (856) 772-7200 or email us at leads@shublawyers.com.