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.
SEPARATION
MINI
REAR WHEEL LOCKUP
Ford Ford
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
Nissan Nissan
CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT
FLOOR PAN CRACKS
Ford Ford
REAR SUSPENSION OVERLOAD
REAR SUSPENSION OVERLOAD
MINI
REAR SUSPENSION OVERLOAD
REAR SUSPENSION
Chevrolet Chevrolet
REAR TRAILING ARM
REAR BRAKE LOCKUP
REAR BRAKE LOCKUP
REAR BRAKE LOCKUP
FRONT SEATBACK FAILURE
FUEL LINE LEAK
CARBURETOR PLUG POPS OUT
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
REAR WHEEL LOCK-UP
ALL UNVENTED FURNACE FLUES
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
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.