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.
Engine stall
Chrysler Chrysler
Wheel-End Failures
Wheelchair restraint failure
Power Window Master Switch Fire
Pontiac Pontiac
Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
Chrysler Chrysler
Transmission Failures
Nissan Pathfinder
Driver's Master Power Window Switch
Chevrolet Trailblazer
Loss of Headlamp Illumination
Vehicle Stability Assist Malfunction
Honda Honda
Rear Suspension Arm Assembly Failure
Toyota Toyota
Power Products Axle Missing Locking Ring
Southern Honda Powersports
Honda Honda
Side Curtain Air Bag Improper Deployment
Hyundai Elantra
Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment
Mercury Monterey
High Pressure Oil Line Rupture
International International
Braun Wheelchair Lifts
Vehicle Rollaway
BMW 7-Series
TSE Brakes, Inc. Hill Hold Requirements
Engine compartment fire
Chevrolet Chevrolet
Skid plate debris fires
Chrysler Chrysler
Engine compartment fires
MCI Driveshaft Safety Loop Failures
Turbocharger Failure
Dexter Hydraulic Brake Actuators Failing
Stuck throttle
Ford Taurus
Diminished Brake Performance
Autoliv Air Bag Propellant Mixture
Driver's Master Power Window Switch
Chevrolet Chevrolet
Power Window Master Switch Fire
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Sure Power Battery Separator Fires
Fuel System (Tank/Sender) Leakage
Inadvertent Air Bag Deployment
Chrysler Chrysler
M/C final drive ball bearing failure
BMW BMW
Collapse of Squad Seat Base
Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment
Ford Ford
Fuel Filler Pipe Corrosion/Leakage
Chevrolet Chevrolet
Fuel level gauge system failure
Infiniti Infiniti
Post-Crash EV Fire Hazard
Transmission Shift Cable Failure
Chevrolet Chevrolet
Engine compartment fire
MINI Cooper
Electric Power Steering Failure
Saturn Saturn
Inadvertent Air Bag Deployment
Unexpected Closing of Power Liftgate
Honda Odyssey
Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure
Chrysler Chrysler
Service Jack Failure
Low Beam Headlights Stop Illuminating
Honda Honda
Pass-Through Power Stud Corrosion
Brake Line Chafing
Haldex Spring Brake Failures
Wheelchair Lift Rollstop 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.