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.
REAR AXLE SHAFT FAILURE
UNDERDASH FIRES
LPG FURNACE EXPLOSION
THROTTLE STICKING
FAILED PASSIVE RESTRAINT
LOSS OF STEERING
SAFETY BELT FAILURE
POWER SEAT MALFUNC/FIRE
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FAIL
LOWER BALL JOINT FAILS
MSTR CYL FAILS TO RELEASE
SAFETY BUCKLE BREAKAGE
STEERING GEAR FAILURE
SPEED CNTRL MALFUNCTION
TRAILER SEPARATION
RETURN SPRING
ARM REST FAILURES
DRUM BRAKE SYSTEM
SAFETY BELT FRAYING
REAR BRAKE PIN
SEAT FAILURES
SEAT BACK FAILURE
REAR SAFETY BELT JAMS
PASSIVE BELTS
LOSS OF POWER STEERING
STEERING LOCKUP
FRONT BRAKE PADS
FRONT SEAT BRACKET
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR
FRONT LAP BELT JAMS
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
BRAKING & WHEEL FAILURE
STEERING & SUSPENSION BOLT
POWER STEERING HOSE
BRAKE BACKING PLATES
HORN MALFUNCTIONS
ROLLOVER PROPENSITY
INJURES FINGERS
FAILS
BRAKE INEFFECTIVENESS
DOOR HINGE PINS
POWER STEERING BRACKET
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
FUEL SYSTEM VENTING
TRAILING ARM
REAR AXLE SHAFT
AIR BRAKES
LOGIC MODULE
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.