We represent victims of reverse discrimination and anti-DEI whistleblowers

Whistleblower programs are in place at numerous government agencies to guard against various types of fraud. In most cases, these efforts are designed to prevent unscrupulous operators from misappropriating public funds, such as payments used for bogus Medicare and Medicaid claims. A new whistleblower initiative not only guards against financial misconduct, but could help to save lives.

Introduced in 2025 pursuant to the Vehicle Safety Act, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Whistleblower Program facilitates the reporting of dangerous vehicle defects to government authorities. Under this initiative, conscientious individuals can report their concerns confidentially and, where appropriate, share in monetary rewards collected from violators.

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) encourages employees, suppliers, dealers, mechanics and others with inside knowledge to share information that make vehicles safer. Reports can cover a wide range of issues, from malfunctioning airbags and brake failures to misrepresented emissions data. Submissions may be made online, by mail or via NHTSA’s confidential call center. 

You do not have to be concerned about being exposed to your employer or the maker of a defective part. NHTSA does not release names of whistleblowers or any other identifying information unless they provide consent. Retaliatory measures, such as dismissal or demotion, are prohibited against employees who point out vehicle safety concerns. 

Perhaps the most powerful incentive of the NHTSA Whistleblower Program is the potential for financial rewards. If a whistleblower’s credible information directly leads to a successful enforcement action—such as civil penalties or mandatory recalls—that yields over $1,000,000 in collected sanctions, NHTSA may award the informant between 10 and 30 percent of the total sanction amount. Awards are paid out of fines levied against the offending manufacturer or supplier, ensuring no additional cost to taxpayers. 

To maximize the chance of receiving an award, whistleblowers should provide substantive, original information that NHTSA did not otherwise possess. This might include a description of the problem, documents detailing alleged defects and video footage depicting hazardous conditions or practices. 

Navigating the technical and procedural aspects of a whistleblower claim can be daunting. A seasoned attorney at Kardell Law Group can help you gather the relevant materials, preserve communications, and coordinate safely with NHTSA and OSHA investigators. Legal counsel also safeguards against exposure to defamation or breach-of-contract claims, ensuring your rights remain protected throughout the process.