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.
EXHAUST SYSTEM FIRES
FRONT AIR BRAKE HOSE FAILS
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
MASTER CYLINDER FAILURE
CLUTCH ROD SEPARATION
LOOSE SPINDLE NUTS/WHL SEP
STEERING COLUMN FIRES
WHEEL CRACKING
STEER.COL.RETENT.PIN FAILS
CARBURETOR FUEL LEAKAGE
THROTTLE STICKING
DOLLY CONVERTER FAILURE
R.AX.TORQ.ARM BKT FRACTURE
BRK PDL PIVOT SHAFT DISENG
WATER TANK SEPARATION
FRONT BRAKE LOCK UP
CHAMBER SEPAR./BRKN BOLTS
MOTOR WHEEL NUT CRACKING
MAIN FRAME FAILURES
SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAIL
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
HEADLAMP FAILURES
WINDOW SHATTERING
APV FUEL LINE FIRES
STEEL WHEEL FAILURES
INADVERTENT DOOR OPENING
SCHOOL BUS FRAME CRACKS
SEAT BREAKS FROM TRACK
ROOF LADDER STEP FAILURES
WHEEL LUG BOLT FAILURE
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
POWER STEERING LEAKS/FIRES
PARK BRAKE HANDLE FAILURE
FNT RECLNING SEAT BCK FAIL
HAND BRAKING CONTROL FAILS
TRANSMISSION FAILURES
BRAKE CALIPER CORROSION
SCHOOL BUS STEERING PROB.
CAR SEAT CUSHION
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
OVERLOADED REAR AXLES
AXLE/UNIVER.YOKE FAILURE
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
APU GENERATOR SEPARATION
AIR DISC BRAKE FAILURE
SEAT BACK & PADDING FAILS
WHL SEPARATION/TORQUE LOSS
SAFETY BLT ANCHORAGE BRKS
R/HTCHBCK HYDR.CYLIN.FAILS
SEAT BACK FAILURES
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.