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.
PASSENGER/ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST
Pontiac Pontiac
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
BMW BMW
SEAT TRACK CORROSION
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING EJECTION
FRONT DIFFERENTIAL/DRIVESHAFT FAILURE
Ford Ford
WATER/ICE IN BRAKE BOOSTER
Volkswagen Volkswagen
HARNESS ADJUSTER
ACCESSORY FLOOR MAT
FUEL TANK LEAK
GMC Envoy XUV
FAILURE OF ENGINE/TRANSMISSION MOUNT
Mazda Mazdaspeed3
FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE
INADVERTENT DOOR CLOSING
Freightliner Freightliner
WINDSHIED WIPER LINKAGE FAILURE
FRONT STRUT TO TIRE INTERFERENCE
ENGINE STALL
Jeep Commander
RESTRICTED BRAKE PEDAL MOVEMENT
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL MALFUNCTION
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
Pontiac Grand Prix
FUEL TANK LEAKS
DECELERATION ("TIP-OUT") STALLING
MOTORCYCLE TRAILER FENDER SEPARATION
FINGER ENTRAPMENT
LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP ILLUMINATION
CARGO DOOR EXTENDING DURING TRAVEL
SEAT BELTS WEBBING ABRADING ON FRAME
Freightliner Freightliner
INTERIOR FIRE, PASSENGER SIDE DASH AREA
SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
INOPERABLE TAIL LIGHTS
Volvo Volvo
FUEL PUMP LEAKAGE
Volvo Volvo
REAR WHEEL LOCKUP
STEERING BOX MOUNTING BRACKET CRACK
WHEELCHAIR LIFT MICRO-SWITCH DISABLED
Freightliner Freightliner
WHEEL FAILURE
Nissan Nissan
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
Mazda Tribute
TOW HITCH/FRAME FAILURE
REAR QUARTER PANEL GLASS SEPARATION
FUEL TANK LEAKS
SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG FAILURE
MOTORCYCLE SIDESTAND ROLL-OFF
FAN BLADE CRACKING/SEPARATION
KIA KIA
BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER HOSE COLLAPSES
Mitsubishi Mitsubishi
AXLE SPINDLE WELD FRACTURE
AXLE SPINDLE WELD
AXLE SPINDLE WELD FRACTURE
AXLE SPINDLE WELD FRACTURE
AXLE - SPINDLE WELD
MISSING ELECT. PANEL MOUNTING HARDWARE
HEADREST/HARNESS ADJUSTMENT BAR FAILS
STEERING COLUMN WELD CRACKS
Freightliner Freightliner
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.