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.
Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
Honda Accord
Electronic Brake Module Component Failure
Cadillac Cadillac
Blue Compass RV Open Recall Sale
High Voltage Coolant Heaters may fail to defrost windshield
Land Rover Rover
2022 RAM Transmission Snap Ring Failure
RAM 3500
Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.
Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid
Certification
Ignition-off high voltage battery fire (Remedy effectiveness of Recall 22V-077)
Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid
Certification
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
Toyota Prius V
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Hyundai Hyundai
Intermittent/Comp Loss of Power Steering
Chrysler Chrysler
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Certification, Recall Scope, Timeliness
High pressure fuel pump failure
RAM 3500
Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls
Healey Brothers Ford / Open Recall Sale
Ford Ford
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance
Lincoln Nautilus
Lateral Movement of Child Seat
Failure to report under 49 CFR Part 579
False Automatic Emergency Braking
Nissan Rogue Sport
Sale of noncompliant school bus
Chevrolet Chevrolet
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Chrysler Chrysler
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
INCORRECTLY MOLDED MASTER FLOAT CHAMBER
FUEL CAP REPLACEMENT CAMPAIGN 36
FUEL PUMP CAMPAIGN
REAR SPROCKET BOLTS
IMPROPER FUNCTIONING OF THE EMER BRAKE
CORRISION FATIGUE OF FRONT COIL SPRINGS
Nissan Sentra
ELECTRICAL SHORT
OMITTED EXHAUST HANGER
WINDSHIELD SIPER MOTOR HARNESS WIRES
TAILLIGHT WIRING RE-ROUTING
HEADLAMP WIRING
Honda Accord
OVERHEAD CONSOLE LOOSE OR HANGS DOWN
REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE
REAR COMPARTMENT LID ROD SEPARATION
REAR FRAME/SUSPENSION FAILURE
BRUSH/GRILLE GUARD CAMPAIGN
DYSFUNCTIONAL TURN SIGNAL ASSY.
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.