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.
STEEL WHEEL FRACTURE
KIA KIA
INCORRECT ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT BREAKER
International International
FUEL LEAKAGE
International International
POWER-SLIDING DOOR OPENING
Nissan Nissan
TURBOCHARGER FAILURE RESULTS IN FIRE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
SEAT SEPARATION FROM THE BASE IN A CRASH
STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE
Audi Audi
POWER SLIDING DOOR OPENING
THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM
Toyota Toyota
FAILING HEADLIGHTS
Nissan Nissan
DRIVER SEAT PEDESTALS
OIL FILTER FIRES
Honda Honda
POWER STEERING STUD FAILURE
International International
OVERHEATING OF SEAT HEATERS
WHEEL SEPARATION
STEERING BINDING
HEADLIGHT SWITCH FAILURES
FRAME CRACKING
ALLEGED BRAKE DRAG
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
Ford E-450
REAR AXLE FRACTURE
Lincoln Lincoln
FRAME CRACKS AND FRACTURES
SUDDEN REAR SUSPENSION MISALIGNMENT
LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL
TRAILER BODY CAN CONTACT TIRES
BRAKES FAIL TO RELEASE, BUS JACK-KNIFES"
HYDRAULIC PUMP SHAFT FAILURES
FUEL LINE LEAKAGE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Subaru Subaru
FUEL SPILLAGE DURING REFUELING
Oldsmobile Oldsmobile
ENGINE STALL
SAAB SAAB
ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILURE
Mercedes-Benz
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
UNDER-RATED ELECTRICAL FUSE
MOTORCYCLE STALLING
FUEL LINE LEAKAGE
BMW BMW
FUEL LINE FITTING LEAKS
DRIVER SEAT OVERHEATS/BURNS
ROOF SEPARATION
FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE
TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE
OVERHEATED EXHAUST COMPONENTS
FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT SEAL LEAK
LATERAL CROSSMEMBERS CRACKING
LATCH CONNECTOR FAILURE
ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR FAILURE (ETC)
THROTTLE FAILS TO RETURN TO IDLE
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
Oldsmobile Oldsmobile
FIFTH WHEEL KINPIN BOX FAILURE
UNLATCHING OF THE CARRY HANDLE
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.