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.
PASSIVE RESTRAINT FAILURES
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
ALLISON TRANSMISSION FAILS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILS
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
INADVER.AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
STEERING POWER ASSIST FAIL
INADVERTENT SHIFT OF TRANS
ACCEL.+BRK PEDAL PLACEMENT
GROUNDING STRAP ROUTING
NO DRIVER'S SAFETY RAIL
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
FUEL INJECTOR ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE
QCK-CONNECT FUEL LINE FAIL
INADVERT. AIR BAG DEPLOYS
REAR WHEEL LOCKUP
FUEL PUMP FAILS/TANK LEAKS
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILS
CHLD SFTY SEAT LATCH INTER
BROKEN TIE RODS
FLAMMABLE A/C REFRIGERANT
LIFTGATE LATCHES
Chrysler Chrysler
AUTO RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAIL
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
CHLD SFTY SEAT WIRING FAIL
FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE
THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING
ALLEGED BATTERY EXPLOSIONS
SENDING UNIT GASKET FAILS
HANDRAILS
TRAILER SPRG HANGER DETACH
CHILD SEAT BUCKLE FAILURE
DRIVESHAFT/UNIV.JOINT FAIL
THROTTLE CABLE FAILURES
FUEL LINE ROUTING
INADVER.AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM
STEER BOX PITMAN SHAFT FLS
IDLE AIR SPD CTRL VLV MALF
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
FUEL LEAKS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
FR SEATBACK RECLINER FAILS
SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FAIL
ALTERNATOR BELT FAILURE
GAS TANK LEAKS
THROTTLE STICKING/BINDING
FUEL LINE FAILURE
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.