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.
Loss of Steering Control
Mercury Grand Marquis
Brake Master Cylinder Failure
High exhaust temperature causing fire
Ford Ford
Rear Control Arm Failure
Hyundai Hyundai
Drivability, Service brake failure
Blocked Fuel Delivery Resulting in Stall
Windshield Wiper Failures
Volvo Heavy Truck
Fuel Leakage From The Fuel Tank
Coolant Leak Resulting in Occupant Burns
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Ford Escape
Intermediate Steering Shaft Separation
Toyota Toyota
Child Seat Harness Buckle
Vehicle Stability Assist Malfunction
Honda Honda
Stop Lamp Switch Signal
Brake Light Malfunction
Pontiac Pontiac
SmartPlex Multiplexer Module Failure
Floor mat interference with accelerator
Mercury Mercury
Loss of Emergency Power & Accessories
PDM Failures
Leaking MGM brake chambers
Motorcycle Stalling
Fuel Leak - Motorcycle
Motorscooter Stalling
Gwinnett Place Nissan / Quest Recall
Nissan Nissan
Speed control cable damage
Ford Taurus
Child Seat Harness Buckle
Engine stall, fuel delivery failure
Chrysler Chrysler
Chapman Chevrolet / Cruze Engine Recall
Chevrolet Chevrolet
Fuel Pressure Regulator Leak
Steering Shaft Universal Joint Failure
Hyundai Santa FE
Vehicle Stability Assist Malfunction
Honda Honda
Ignition Interlock Failure - Rollaway
Honda Odyssey
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Ford Escape
Panoramic Sunroof Breakage
Hyundai Veloster
Stabilus Rear Liftgate Struts Failing
Loss of Steering Control
Headliner Bracket Detachment
Hyundai Elantra
MCI Drive Shaft Safety Loop Failures
Aux. Brake Failure - Adaptive Equipment
SRS Warning Light Illumination
Nissan Nissan
John Deere Turbocharged Engines
Collision Mitigation System Malfunction
Infiniti Infiniti
Power steering hose failure
Chrysler Chrysler
Rear Differential Failure
Chrysler Chrysler
Cruise Control Cable
Mazda Tribute
Stuck Throttle
Ford Escape
SMI Bus Roof Escape Hatches / FMVSS 217
Carlisle Wheel Separation
Air Brake Reservoir Bracket Fracture
Electric power steering failure
Ford Explorer
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.