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.
WHEEL SEPARATION
FUEL EXPULSION
FUEL TANK LEAKS
FILLER PIPE SEAL
REAR WHEEL SPINDLE
REAR A/C UNIT
REAR SAFETY BELT FIT
REAR BRAKE LIGHTS
BMW BMW
REAR DISC BRAKES
POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
Mercedes-Benz 300e
UNDER SEAT FIRES
STALLING
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
ELECTRICAL FIRES
LATCH FAILURE
DOOR FALLS OFF
STALLING
Jeep Jeep
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
Sterling Sterling
REAR BRAKE LOCKUP
AXLE NUTS
TREAD SEPARATION
ELECTRICAL FIRES
THROTTLE LINKAGE STICKING
FUEL EXPULSION
HYDRO BOOST
BRAKE SYSTEM
FUEL TANK INTEGRITY
SEAT TRACK
HIGH TEMP & FUEL EXP
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILS
STRAP ACROSS NECK
SHUTOFF SOLENOID
HIGH TEMP,FUEL EXP.
THROTTLE CONTROL
SEAT ATTACHMENT
Chrysler Chrysler
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
LOWER CONTROL ARM
STEERING OUTPUT SHAFT
Mitsubishi Mitsubishi
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
ELEC. REAR WINDOW
Chrysler Chrysler
FAILURE
DRAWBAR
BRAKE POWER ASSIST
Chrysler Chrysler
FIRES
SEAT TRACKS
Ford Escort
STALLING
Pontiac Bonneville
ENGINE SURGE
Mercury Mercury
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Ford Ford
FUEL EXPULSION
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.