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.
Dash Fires
HVAC Switch Failures
IMMI Seat Custion Locking Mechanisms
Brake line corrosion failure
Chevrolet Chevrolet
Brake line failure due to corrosion
Chevrolet C/K Series
Harness Slippage
Wheel & Pulley Collapse
Steering Wander or Drift
Toyota Corolla
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
Toyota Toyota
Braking Performance, Hybrid Vehicle
Stop Lamps Intermittent
Electric Power Steering Failure
Chevrolet Chevrolet
Motorcycle Stalling
CTS Corp Accelerator Pedal Assemblies
Pontiac Pontiac
SUDDEN FUEL EXPULSION
Ricon 6-Way Power Seat Base
Handlebar Separation
Inoperative 8-Way Warning Lamps
Freightliner Freightliner
Driveshaft Failure
Wheel Chair Lift Separates From Bus
Engine Compartment Fire
Mazda Tribute
Inadvertent airbag deployment
Ford Ford
Fuel Level Gauge System Failure
Chevrolet Trailblazer
GASOLINE LEAKS
Mitsubishi Mitsubishi
Rear Lamp Illumination
BMW BMW
Monaco RV Recalls Responsiiblity
HVAC Switch Failures
Ford E-350
Rear Suspension Lower Link Detachment
Honda Passport
Engine Stalling
Toyota Corolla Matrix
Alleged inadequate recall remedy 07V-586
Air Bag Occupant Classification System
Transmission Torque Converter Failure
Mercury Monterey
STARTER WIRE ABRADES PARKING CABLE
MOTORCYCLE STALLING
BMW BMW
Fuel Storage System Crash Related Fires
Jeep Jeep
MOTORCYCLE STALLING
BMW F650
RUPTURING DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATORS
Honda Honda
Air in brake system
Honda Odyssey
REAR SPRING TRAILING ARM BOLT LOOSE
FRAME CORROSION
Toyota Toyota
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR
SAAB SAAB
THROTTLE STICKS ON FLOOR PLATE
INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
Ford Ford
CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET FAILURE
Mazda Mazda
Interior Door Handle Laceration Risk
VVA LINE WEAR AND OIL LEAKS
STARTER CABLE CHAFING
ALTERNATOR CABLE CHAFING
CHILD SEAT HANDLE SEPARATION
FUEL PUMP LEAK
Volvo Volvo
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.