Products of all types are susceptible to defects. According to SaferProducts.gov, the nearly a year old product safety database maintained by the government, leading in complaints are kitchen appliances.

Of the 6,500 total of reports filed on the site since its inception, one-third were regarding defective products that are appliances. Electric ovens and ranges received the most complaints with a total of 638 consumer reports. Dishwashers came in second with a total of 440 reports.

The government regularly issues reports on defective products after first conducting an investigation to determine if a recall is necessary. This website, made up of consumer submitted reports, shortens the amount of time it takes for others who may be considering purchasing the product or those who have already purchased it to become aware of any defects it may have.

Overseen by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the site also contains product recall information.

Not everyone is in support of the database. Those against it are afraid that a business could unnecessarily suffer if a consumer were to file a false report. The reports are screened for the basics such as the product, the date of the injury, the reporter's name. Before the complaint is published, the manufacturer of the product is provided the opportunity to respond to it.

A company filed a lawsuit against the CPSC last fall seeking to prevent a complaint about one of its products from being published. According to the company, that has remained anonymous, the consumer's complaint was not supported by factual evidence.

Other types of products commonly reported on the website are those commonly used with children such as nursery equipment and toys. Footwear and devices used to control the climate in a home also ranked high.

Source: Insurance Journal, "Kitchen Appliances Rank No. 1 in Product Safety Complaints," Jennifer C. Kerr, March 9, 2012