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Public safety data
Complaint and recall information comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It is public record, but usually wears a beige sweater. We make it scannable.
🧪 Methodology garage
We put car data through a tiny traffic circus.
DriveData turns public vehicle records into an easier-to-read report. The vibe is playful, but the ingredients are practical: complaints, recalls, safety ratings, and fuel economy.
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Fuel economy data
EPA fuel data helps add running-cost context when it is available, including city, highway, combined MPG, annual fuel estimates, and powertrain details.
The DriveScore™ formula
Every car starts at 100, then loses points for trouble signals.
📣Complaints-0.5 each, capped at -40
🧯Recalls-3.0 each, capped at -25
💥Crash reports-1.5 each
🔥Fire reports-3.0 each
🏥Injuries-2.0 each
⚠️Severe outcomesDeaths deduct -10 each, capped at -30
Recent complaints can carry extra weight because fresh issues matter more when someone is shopping today.
Important reality check
This is a dashboard, not a crystal ball.
NHTSA complaints are self-reported and not always verified. Complaint volume can be affected by how many vehicles were sold, how vocal owners are, and whether an issue became widely known.
🔍 Always inspect the exact vehicle
🧾 Check service records
🪪 Run the VIN for open recalls
🛞 Test drive it properly
Disclaimer
DriveData is not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA, or any vehicle manufacturer. Data is provided for informational purposes only and should not be the sole basis for a purchase decision.