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.
Loss of Power Brake/Steering Assist Post Recall 22V089 Inspection.
Ford E-350
Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.
Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid
Unintended vehicle movement
Fisker Ocean
Rear-View Camera Failure
Honda Ridgeline
Certification
3.3L Engine Loss of Motive Power (LOMP)
Hyundai Santa FE
High Voltage Coolant Heater Delamination
Lucid AIR
Loss of steering control
Tesla Model 3
Loss of Motive Power
Ford Bronco Sport
Ignition-off high voltage battery fire (Remedy effectiveness of Recall 22V-077)
Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid
Loss of braking performance
Fisker Ocean
Low Pressure Fuel Pump Assembly Failure
Alfa Romeo Alfa Romeo
Certification
Complete loss of motive power due to engine failure
Infiniti Infiniti
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
Volkswagen Volkswagen
Momentary Increased Steering Effort
Honda Civic
Loss of Motive Power due to the Battery Energy Control Module
Chevrolet Chevrolet
Seat Belt Pretensioner Inadvertent Deployment
Ford Expedition
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
Toyota Prius V
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Hyundai Hyundai
Loss of motive power due to broken crankshaft with no ability to restart.
Nissan Titan XD
Loss of Motive Power
KIA Sorento
Automated Driving System
Loss of Motive Power
Ford Bronco
Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
Volkswagen Volkswagen
6L90 Transmission Failure
Oil Pump Failure
Ford Ecosport
Loss of Motive Power
Ford Focus
Vehicle Rollaway
KIA Soul EV
Electrical problems / No-start
Toyota Unknown
High Voltage Battery Contactor Failure
Ford Mustang
Intermittent/Comp Loss of Power Steering
Chrysler Chrysler
Loss of steering control
Tesla Model 3
Malfunction Indicator Light / No-Start
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Failed Door Check Arm Attachment Point
Ford Escape
Loss of Motive Power
KIA KIA
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Rear Axle Bolt Failure
Ford Explorer
Loss of Motive Power
Hyundai Hyundai
Device can break causing tire to deflate without notification to the operator
Automatic Emergency Braking Errors
Vehicle entrapment
Dodge Journey
Failing Trailer Frames
Defect Petition Interlock Request
Tesla
Front seat belt anchor detachment
Tesla Model X
Certification, Recall Scope, Timeliness
Blue Bird Draglink Failures
High pressure fuel pump failure
RAM 3500
Momentary Increased Steering Effort
Honda Civic
Steering Wheel Detachment
Tesla Model Y
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.