NHTSA
Defect investigations
NHTSA opens defect investigations when complaint patterns suggest a possible safety risk. Browse all 4,161 investigations, including 98 currently open.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the agency Office of Defects Investigation has opened 4,161 formal defect investigations into U.S. vehicles as of June 2026. Each investigation can precede a recall; see our methodology for how these federal case files are tracked.
BRAKES
CLUTCH RELEASE CABLE
AUTOMOBILES WITH GAS TANK BEHIND REAR AX
MULTI-PIECE TRUCK WHEES & RIMS
CN 54 TIRES
STEERING GEAR BOX MOUNT
GOODYEAR POLYSTEEL RADIALS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES RE: 7805110002,
BUS BRAKES
SPARK PLUG FOULING
BATTERY ACID CORROSION
BRAKES
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
121 BRAKING SYSTEMS, ERRATIC COMPUTER
FUEL TANK FIRES
121 BRAKING SYSTEM, BRAKE RELEASE
121 BRAKING SYSTEM, VARIOUS PROBLEMS
STEERING COUPLING FLANGE FAILURE
121 BRAKING SYSTEM, BRAKES LOCK UP
121 BRAKING SYSTEM, BRAKES SLOW TO RELEA
121 BRAKING SYSTEM, FRONT BRAKES FREEZE
STEEL BELTED RADIAL TIRES, BR78-13
121 BRAKING SYSTEM, PREMATURE RELEASE
BOLTS FAILED, PULLEY SEPARATED FROM DAMP
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA
VOLKSWAGEN VOLKSWAGEN
121 BRAKING SYSTEM, WIRING HARNESS DEFEC
121 BRAKING SYSTEM (EATON)
HUBCAP CRACKS MAY CAUSE BEARING AND/OR A
121 BRAKING SYSTEM, DOT LIGHT STAYS ON
121 BRAKING SYSTEM, ALL WHEEL LOCK DOWN
121 BRAKING SYSTEM, ALL WHEELS LOCK DOWN
121 BRAKING SYSTEM, VARIOUS PROBLEMS
FUEL INJECTION LEAKS
121 BRAKING SYSTEM (WARNER), AIR CONTROL
121 BRAKING SYSTEM, WHEEL SENSOR FALLS O
121 BRAKING SYSTEM NON-FUNCTIONAL
121 BRAKING SYSTEM, ERRATIC OPERATION
121 BRAKING SYSTEM, ALUMINUM HUB MISPOSI
SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY DOES NOT FULLY RETRAC
HONDA EXPRESS NC 50
HONDA HONDA
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
DEFECTIVE AND UNRELIABLE TRANSMISSION
EXCESSIVE REFLECTIVE GLARE
BROKEN SWAY BAR
ELECTRONIC IGNITION FAILURE AND GAS FUME
TIE ROD BREAKAGE
FAULTY BRAKE WARNING LIGHT
POOR ILLUMINATION OF SPEEDOMETER
TRANSMISSION FAILURES
POWER STEERING COLD WEATHER PROBLEMS
CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSED CARPET TO BUR
FAILURE OF RACK AND PINION STEERING BOX
UNSTABLE STEERING AND FISHTAILS
POOR STEERING AND HANDLING
FRONT END VIBRTION, EXCESSIVE STEERING E
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
CARBURETOR,REAR UPPER & LOWER CONTROL AR
WHEEL LUGS/NUTS
CARBURETOR FUEL LEAKAGE
VACUUM BRAKE HOSE FAILURE
FAILURE OF REAR AIR BRAKE SYSTEM
Understanding NHTSA Investigations
Preliminary Evaluation (PE)
Initial assessment of a potential safety defect, typically opened after receiving multiple consumer complaints about similar issues.
Engineering Analysis (EA)
In-depth technical evaluation that may include testing, data collection from manufacturers, and detailed defect analysis.
Recall Query (RQ)
Evaluation of the effectiveness of a previously issued recall remedy, often triggered when complaints persist after a recall.
Investigation Outcomes
Investigations may result in a voluntary recall by the manufacturer, a mandatory recall order, or closure if no defect is found.
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. about how PlainCars sources NHTSA data.