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.
UNDERDASH FIRES
FORD FORD
LOSS OF BRAKES
REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE
TOYOTA TOYOTA
BRAKES LOCK
STEER AXLE HUB FAILURE
BRAKE FAILURE
FORD FORD
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
HONDA HONDA
SEAT TRACK/BELT FAILURE
T-SHIELD BREAKAGE
REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE
TOYOTA TOYOTA
LOCKING MECHANISM
DEFECTIVE CASTLE NUT
CO INTRUSION
AIR BRAKE VALVE LEAKS
FUEL SPURTING/FIRES
FORD FORD
BRAKE FAILURE/FIREWALL
AXLE FAILURE
FIRES
MASERATI MASERATI
LINING SEPARATION
INADEQUATE REAR BRAKES
REAR AXLE OVERLOAD
CHEVROLET CHEVROLET
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
SEAT TRACK LOCK
FIRES
UNDERHOOD FIRES
ALLEGED FIRES
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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.