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.
DYSFUNCTIONAL TURN SIGNAL SWITCH ASSEMBL
Freightliner Freightliner
DYSFUNCTIONAL TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBL
Freightliner Freightliner
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURES
Oldsmobile Oldsmobile
DYSFUNCTIONAL TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY
Freightliner Freightliner
DYSFUNCTIONAL TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY
Freightliner Freightliner
REAR WHEEL SEPARATION
ROLLAWAY IN REVERSE WHEN PARKED
BATTERY EXPLOSIONS
REAR BRAKE LOCKUP
FMVSS 106 BRAKE HOSE LABEL NONCOMPLIANCE
ALLEGED WHEEL FAILURE
CANVAS SOFT-TOP FLY-OFF
REAR FUEL LINE INTERFERENCE
REAR SEAT BELT FAILURE
SEAT TRACK
FAULTY SEAT BELT BUCKLES
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
Chrysler Chrysler
BLOWER AREA FIRES
UNDERHOOD FUEL LEAKS
POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE
WATER IN DEFROSTER SYSTEM
DASH TRIM SEPARATION
OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE DETACHMENT
FAULTY SEAT BELT BUCKLES
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRE
SEPARATION OF MASTER CYLINDER
Ford Ford
SEAT BACK BOLT FAILURE
ABS BRAKING MALFUNCTION
WINDOW SHADE INGESTION
SEAT BELT BUCKLES FAILURE
AIR BAG WIRING FAILURE
FAILURE OF SERPENTINE BELT
UNDERCARRIAGE FUEL LINE INTERFERENCE
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
CRUISE CONTROL FAILURES
FIRES IN STEERING COLUMN
TRUCK LID SUPPORT FAILURE
AUTO RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAIL
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
FLOOR FAILURE
HORN PAD FALLS OFF
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.