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.
PASSENGER SIDE DASH FIRES
UNINTENDED WHEEL CHAIR RESTRAINT DISCONN
HANDRAILS
FRONT BRAKE FAILURE
AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT SEPARATION
Honda Honda
STEERING SHAFT SEPARATIONS
FUEL LEAKEAGE FROM ROLLOVER VALVE
CANVAS SOFT-TOP FLY-OFF
FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSE
REAR AXLE SHAFT SEPARATION
INADVERTENT MOVEMENT OF SHIFTER
Dodge Dakota
SEAT TRACKS
FRONT BLOWER ASSEMBLY FIRE
STEERING COLUMN LOOSENING
HOOD FLY UP
PRNDL MISALIGNMENT
PASSENGER AIR BAG DETACHMENT
DASH TRIM PIECE SEPARATION
PLASTIC TRIM PANEL SEPARATION
INADVERTENT RELEASE OF PARKING BRAKE
FIRES
SEAT BACK FAILURE
FAULTY SEATBELT BUCKLES
INFANT EJECTION FROM SEAT
ALLEGED DEFECTIVE AUTO HEATER
HANDLEBAR LOWER CLAMP FRACTURING
COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS LEAKAGE
REAR SEAT ANCHORAGES
SEAT BELT FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION
BRAKE PEDAL SEPARATION FROM PIVOT ARM
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRES
BRAKE LIGHT WIRING SEVERING
BRAKE PEDAL SEPARATION FROM PIVOT ARM
STEERING DAMPER/FUEL TANK INTEFERENCE
REAR AXLE SCREWS
REAR BRAKE DISC SEPARATION
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
SEAT BACK FAILURE
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER/BOOSTER SEPARATION
LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL
RETENTION CUP INGESTION
TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAIL
TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAIL
INADEQUATE BRK PERFORMANCE
FRONT BRAKE FIRES
AIR BAG WIRING FAILURE
TRNS OIL COOLER LINE FAILS
Ford Ford
TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAIL
TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAIL
TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAIL
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.