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.
INCONSIS.BRK LGT OPERATION
FLUORESCENT TUBE BREAKAGE
WHEEL BEARING FAILURE
R/BUMPER,SPARE TIRE DETACH
STICKING THROTTLE
BRAKE DISC/HUB SEPARATION
WHEEL FAILURE
STRUC.FAIL.OF COOLANT TANK
DETACHED TIE ROD END
FUEL TANK/EXHAUST INTERFER
ENGINE MOUNT FAILURE
DRIVER SEAT BACK FAILURE
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
DRAG LINK FRACTURE
DYNAMIC INSTABILITY
FUEL LINE CONNECTOR FAILS
GM P30 CHASS.ROAD WHL FAIL
FUEL LEAKAGE
SCHOOL BUS FIRES
GAS TANK LEAKAGE
BRAKE LINE ABRASION
STEERING SHAFT SEPARATIONS
PLATFORM FAILURE
COOLANT FIRES
HIGH IDLE FLARE
INCONSIST.BRK LIGHT OPER.
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
STEERING LOCK-UPS
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
REAR AXLE FAILURE
STEERING LOCK UP
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES
WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FAIL
PROPANE TANK SEPARATION
IMPROPER AXLE INSTALLATION
TRANS FLUID LEAK/FIRES
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
AUTO DOOR LOCK MALFUNCTION
TRAILER JACK FAILURE
BRAKE SYSTEM FIRES
AIR BRAKES FAILURE
COLLAPSED A FRAME
REAR BUMPER COVER FIRES
HOOD LATCH FAILURES
W-CAR HINGE PIN FAILURE
HITCH HEAD FRACTURES
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.