NHTSA
Defect investigations
NHTSA opens defect investigations when complaint patterns suggest a possible safety risk. Browse all 4,173 investigations, including 93 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.
Chrysler's execution of 13V-528 & 529
Dodge Dodge
Throttle Pedal Springs May Fracture
XZA 295/60/R22.5 Steer Tire Failures
Electric power steering failure
Ford Ford
Safety Act Violations
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
Chrysler Chrysler
Low-speed surging
Toyota Corolla
Headlight failures/fires
International International
Door Latch Failure
Ford Fiesta
Trailer tire may contact floor
Engine Stall After Refueling
Chrysler Town AND Country
Suspension Pivot Bolt Failure
CNG Fuel Tank Valve and Mounting Failure
Front brake hose failure
Ford Explorer
Swing-away boat trailer tongue failures
Aerial Fire Apparatus Cable Failure
Motorcycle Fires
Inadvertent Side Air Bag Deployment
Honda Accord
Loss of brake warning lights
Isuzu N-Series
Passenger Air Bag OCS Algorithm
Seat Belt Buckle Electrical Malfunction
Hyundai Hyundai
Alternator failure
Dodge Charger
Furnace Intake Fan May Melt
Frame Spring Hanger Failure
CNG Fuel System Integrity
Freightliner Business Class M2
Steering Column Shaft Obstruction
Car Seat Harness Buckle
TPMS Non-Compliance to FMVSS 138
Pedal Operation Interference
Nissan Versa Note
Rear Differential Failure
Chrysler Chrysler
Air Bag Non-deployment
Chrysler Chrysler
Air Bag Non-Deployment/Engine Stall
Chrysler Town AND Country
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Muncie PTO Switches May Ignite
Jeep inadvertent air bag deployment
Chrysler Chrysler
Excessive Brake Pedal Travel
Nissan Versa Note
Clutch Interlock Switch Malfunction
Mitsubishi Mitsubishi
Panoramic Glass Sunroof Breakage
KIA Sorento
Fuel level gauge system failure
Nissan Nissan
Sands Chevrolet/Hybrid System Fire/Stall
Chevrolet Chevrolet
Ice may form in intake manifold
Seat Belt May Be Difficult to Unfasten
Bosch EV charging coupler overheating
Active Safety System Malfunction
Chevrolet Chevrolet
Front Lower Control Arm Failing
Brake Surface Grease Contamination
Front brake malfunction - Motorcycle
Motorcycle steering lockup
Brake Booster Failure
Mazda Mazda
Car Seat Harness Buckle
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.