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 WARNING LIGHTS
GAS TANK LEAKS
LIFTGATE FAILURE
STEERING LOCKUP
DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILURE
LOSS OF TRAILER STABILITY
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
TRANS PARK SYSTEM FAILURE
POWER STEERING FAILURE
ELECTRICAL LIGHT FIRES
FUEL SYSTEM OVERPRESSURE
LOW VOLTAGE LIGHT FAILURE
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAIL
JUMP SEAT FAILURE
SAFETY BELT TONGUE BREAKS
FLOOR SILL CRACKS
FUEL TANK LEAKS
BRAKE DISC HUB SEPARATIONS
PARKING BRAKE HANGUP
FOAM PADDING EXPOSURE
THROTTLE STICKING
BRAKE PERFORMANCE
PARKING BRAKE LEVERS
WINSHIELD WIPERS
FAILURE OF JACK STAND
STEERING LOCKUP
BRAKE CHAMBER FAILURE
JACK STAND FAILURE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
HOOD LATCHES FAIL
SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR FAIL
BRAKE HOSES "BALLOON"
FAILURE JACK STAND
SPARE TIRE CARRIER FAILS
PASSIVE SAFETY BELT FAILS
FAILURE JACK STAND
HOOD LATCH FAILURE
FLOOR PAN FRACTURE
FAILED ANTILOCK BRAKES
POWER STEERING FAILURE
ABSENCE OF SAFETY CHAIN
FRNT SUSPENSION VIBRATES
LOOSE LOGO LABEL
PARK BRAKE DRUM LOOSE
FABRIC PUSH PIN INGESTION
BRAKE FAILURE
GEAR SHIFT LEVER FAILS
FUEL TANK CORROSION
SAFETY BELT CUT BY D-RING
LATCH 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.