Quick answer: Report most unsafe consumer products to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov or 1-800-638-2772. Report defective vehicles, tires, and car seats to NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 or nhtsa.gov, and unsafe food, drugs, or cosmetics to the FDA’s MedWatch at 1-800-332-1088. Reporting helps trigger recalls that protect others.

A defective product — one that overheats, breaks dangerously, or causes injury — should be reported to the right federal agency so it can be investigated and recalled. Different products go to different agencies. This guide shows exactly where to report and what to include.

Which Agency Handles Your Product

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) covers most household and consumer products: appliances, toys, electronics, furniture, tools, and more, through SaferProducts.gov. Vehicles, tires, car seats, and motorcycles go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, and dietary supplements go to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Reporting matters even if you weren’t hurt. Reports of near-misses and defects feed the databases that lead to recalls, penalties, and new safety standards.

What to Document

Record the product name, brand, model and serial number, where and when you bought it, the date of the incident, exactly what went wrong, and any injuries or property damage. Keep the product if it’s safe to do so, take photos, and save receipts and packaging. This evidence helps investigators link reports and confirm a defect.

Where to Report a Defective Product

How to Report a Defective Product Step by Step

1. Stop using the product. If it poses a safety risk, set it aside to prevent injury — but keep it as evidence rather than discarding it.
2. Check for an existing recall. Search Recalls.gov and the manufacturer’s site. If it’s already recalled, follow the remedy (refund, repair, or replacement).
3. Document everything. Note the brand, model, serial number, purchase details, the incident date, what went wrong, and any injuries. Take photos and keep receipts and packaging.
4. Identify the right agency. Consumer products → CPSC; vehicles and car seats → NHTSA; food, drugs, and cosmetics → FDA.
5. File with the CPSC. Submit your report at SaferProducts.gov or call 1-800-638-2772. Reports become part of a public database that aids investigations.
6. File with NHTSA or FDA as applicable. Use 1-888-327-4236 / nhtsa.gov for vehicles or 1-800-332-1088 / FDA MedWatch for medical and food products.
7. Notify the manufacturer and retailer. Report the defect to them directly and request a refund, repair, or replacement.
8. Get medical care and keep records. If injured, seek treatment and keep documentation — it supports both the safety report and any claim you pursue.

Frequently Asked Questions

For related guides see: How to Report False Advertising, How to Report Food Poisoning, How to Report a Used Car Dealer.

Independent resource — not affiliated with any U.S. government agency. Last reviewed: June 2026.