How we source, write and correct what you read here.
Sourcing standards
We prefer primary sources in every case: the federal dataset, the manufacturer's filing, the regulation text. Where a claim rests on a secondary source, we name it and link to it. We do not cite other content sites as authorities for facts they did not originate.
Vehicle data published on this site comes from the public-domain datasets listed on our data sources page. Each page that displays such data credits the dataset it came from.
Tool output
Recall summaries, consequences and remedies are shown as NHTSA publishes them. We reformat names and dates for readability. Where NHTSA leaves a field empty, we say 'Not provided' and label any substitute text as ours.
Use of AI assistance
We use AI tools to help research and draft pages. AI is never treated as a source: facts must trace to a cited primary source.
Review and fact-checking
Pages are checked against the sources they cite before publication. As we add vehicle, parts and guide pages, automated checks will verify that cited sources resolve, and a person will review a sample of each release; if the sample finds errors, the release doesn't go out until they're fixed.
Corrections
Email contact@opencarguide.com with the page and the source. We aim to acknowledge within three business days. Substantive corrections are noted at the foot of the page with the date.
Removed pages
When we remove a page on purpose, it returns a 'page removed' (410) notice rather than being quietly rewritten or redirected somewhere unrelated.
Independence from advertisers
Advertising and affiliate arrangements have no influence on editorial content. Advertisers and affiliate partners do not receive advance copy, review rights, or any ability to alter, delay or suppress a page. Commercial relationships are not a factor in what we cover, how we rank or describe products, or which data we surface.
Where a page contains affiliate links, that is disclosed on the page and in our affiliate disclosure. We are not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer, dealer group or government agency.
Scope and limits
OpenCarGuide is a reference publication. Nothing here is professional mechanical, legal, financial or purchasing advice, and no page should be treated as a substitute for inspection by a qualified technician. Recall status for an individual vehicle must be confirmed by VIN at nhtsa.gov or with a franchised dealer.
Contact
Questions about this policy, or about how a particular page was produced, go to contact@opencarguide.com.