PlainCars

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.

4,161
Total
98
Open
2325
Preliminary
868
Engineering
210
Recall Queries
Status: All Open
Type: All PEEARQ
RQ26002 Recall Query Open
2026-01-26

Momentary increase in steering effort after recall remedy

MAZDA MAZDA

RQ26001 Recall Query Open
2026-01-16

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
RQ25005 Recall Query Open
2025-12-11

Recall 23V-413 Post Remedy Failures

CHRYSLER CHRYSLER

RQ25004 Recall Query Open
2025-07-09

Loss of rear-view camera image

POLESTAR POLESTAR 2

RQ25003 Recall Query Open
2025-07-03

Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure

RAM 1500

RQ25001 Recall Query Open
2025-06-27

Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 22V887
RQ24012 Recall Query Open
2024-07-05

Loss of Motive Power

JEEP WRANGLER 4XE

RQ24009 Recall Query Open
2024-04-25

Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness

TESLA

RQ24003 Recall Query Open
2024-02-27

Loss of Power Brake/Steering Assist Post 22V-089 Inspection.

FORD E-350

RQ24004 Recall Query Open
2024-02-27

Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.

CHRYSLER PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID

RQ24002 Recall Query Open
2024-02-08

High Voltage Coolant Heater Delamination

LUCID AIR

RQ24001 Recall Query Open
2024-01-16

Ignition-off high voltage battery fire (Remedy effectiveness of Recall 22V-077)

CHRYSLER PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID

RQ23003 Recall Query Open
2023-08-04

Intermittent/Comp Loss of Power Steering

CHRYSLER CHRYSLER

RQ23001 Recall Query Open
2023-03-22

Certification, Recall Scope, Timeliness
RQ21002 Recall Query Open
2021-08-03

Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance

LINCOLN NAUTILUS

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. Learn more.