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.
ALLISON TRANSMISSION FAILS
STEERING POWER ASSIST FAILURE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
STEERING GEAR MALFUNCTIONS
BROKEN REAR SPINDLES
CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTION
AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILS
AIR HOSE ASSEMBLY
BRAKE TREADLE VALVE CORRODES
INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER RIMS
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILS
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
BATTERY BOX COVER SEPARATION
ENGINE MOUNT FAILURES
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
FRAME BREAKAGE
NO DRIVER'S SAFETY RAIL
GROUNDING STRAP ROUTING
ACCELERATOR + BRAKE PEDAL PLACEMENT
ENGINE FIRES
CNG FUEL TANK FAILURE
REAR AXLE HOUSING FAILURE
FUEL LINE ROUTING
TURBOCHARGER MALFUNCTION
SEAT BELT
Chrysler Chrysler
PREMATURE REAR TIRE WEAR
INADVERTENT SHIFT OF TRANSMISSION
HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE CRACKS/LEAKS
ACTRON GAUGE KIT FIRES
HEATER CORE FAILURE
QUICK-CONNECT FUEL LINE FAILURE
FRAME CRACKS
SEAT BACK RECLINER FAILURE
POLYCAST ROAD WHEEL CRACKS
STEERING LCK-UP/IMPEDIMENT
DRIVER'S BUS SEATS FAIL
STALLING
LWR BALL JOINT ASSEM.FAILS
DRIVER'S BUS SEAT FAILS
INADVER.AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
DRIVESHAFT FAILURES
CHLD SFTY SEAT LATCH INTER
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
STEERING SHAFT FAILURE
FUEL TANK SUPPORT FAILURE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILS
FUEL PUMP FAILS/TANK LEAKS
HOOD FLY-UP WHILE DRIVING
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.