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.
BALL JOINT
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRE
Volkswagen Volkswagen
ELECTRICAL SHORT/FIRE
FUEL LEAKAGE
SEPARATION OF SPARE TIRE FROM VEHICLE
BRAKE HOSE ABRASION
FRONT BRAKE HOSE
FUEL EXPULSION
Volkswagen Volkswagen
Carry Handle Unlatching
CARRY HANDLE UNLATCHING
HEADLIGHT SWITCH
Ford Ford
SLIDE-OUT ROOM OPERATING MECHANISM
STEERING SHAFT FRACTURE
ERRATIC STEERING BOOST WHILE DRIVING
STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF REAR SUSPENSION
HORSE TRAILER SAFETY CABLE
INERTIA FUEL SHUT OFF SWITCH
REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM
UNDER HOOD FIRES
BROKEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Honda Passport
BROKEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL
FUEL SPIT BACK DURING REFUELING
BRAKING SYSTEM/ABS
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FAILURE
COOLANT FIRES
BLOWER ASSEMBLY FIRES
FUEL TANK LEAK
SUNSHADE RETAINER FAILURE
BALL JOINT FAILURE
ENGINE CRADLE/CONTROL ARM BRACKET WELD
EXHAUST PIPE BURNS
REAR FOLDING SEAT DISENGAGEMENT
FRONT SEAT ANCHOR BOLT FAILURE
Ford Ford
FUEL VAPOR VALVE LEAKS
DOOR CABLE FAILURE
POWER MIRROR CIRCUIT FIRES
HOOD LATCH FAILURE
Volkswagen Volkswagen
CRACKING OF ROOF SUPPORT STRUCTURE
FRAME CROSS MEMBER FAILURE
BRAKE TREADLE FRACTURE
OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
STOP LAMP SWITCH
FUEL TANK LEAK
BODY/FRAME SEPARATIONS
FINGER CUTTING/PINCHING
OCCUPANT HARNESS BUCKLE FAILURE
INADEQUATE WELDING PASSENGER SEAT
COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) LEAKAGE
CO INTRUSION
DEGRADED BRAKING PERFORMANCE
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.