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.
Norcold Refrigerator Fires
Hitch Receiver Fracture
Trans/Air TA73 Evaporator Melting
Engine Cooling Fan Fracture
Driver's Master Power Window Switch
Honda Honda
Transmission Shift Cable Detachment
Braking Performance
Honda Accord Hybrid
Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
Chrysler Chrysler
Failing 5th wheel attachment bolts
Mack Cxu612
Motorcycle coolant leak...radiator
Fuel leak at pump/tank interface
Motorcycle Stalling
Hydraulic Auxiliary Pump Fitting Failure
Caterpillar Engine Fuel Line Leak
Wheel Separation (Broken Studs)
Python Lift - Inadvertent Operation
Loss of Power Steering Assist
BMW BMW
Low Beam Headlights
Honda Honda
Fuel Tank Strap Corrosion/Rust
Steering Shaft Separation
High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (HPFP)
Volkswagen Volkswagen
Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Fuel Spill During Refueling
Engine Stalling
Webasto Sunroof Separation
Engine Stall
Pontiac Pontiac
Steering Shaft Separation
Driveshaft separates from tractor
Peterbilt Peterbilt
Front Air Brake Hose Interference
Engine Compartment Fire
Central Electronic Module Failure
Volvo Volvo
Front Subframe Corrosion Failures
Ford Windstar
Rear Hatch Strut Support Failure
Loss of Headlight Illumination
Fuel Spill During Refueling
KIA Sorento
Harness slippage
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist
Sticky Steering
Dimplex Fireplace Remote Control Kits
Accel Pedal Interference - Acc Floormat
Ford Ford
Engine Compartment Fires
Interior Door Handle Laceration Risk
Driver Air Bag Circuit High Resistance
Mercedes-Benz
Rear Axle Cracking
Ford Windstar
Fuel Tank Leak
Daimler Engine Unexpected Shut Down
Cequent (Reese) Hitch
Fire In Grote LED Clearance/Marker Lamps
Sticking Accelerator Pedal
Chrysler Chrysler
Remy Alternator Fires
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.