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.
AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILURE
HEAT HOSE RESTRICTOR/FIRES
ENGINE SPEED FLUCTUATION
HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY FAILURE
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES
FRONT BRAKES FAIL
FUEL RESERVOIR LEAKS
WHEEL FAILURES
STEERING WHEEL NUT LOOSENS
STRUCTURAL FAILURE
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
POWER STEERING FAILURE
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE
SPEED CONTROL FAILURE
FRAME RAIL COLLAPSE
STEERING GEAR LOCKUP
STEERING GEAR BOLTS LOOSEN
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
TRANSMISSION FLUID FIRES
TIMING GEAR PINION FAIL
REAR WIPER SWITCH/FIRES
TIRE RIMS LOSE AIR
DEFECTIVE SEAT MOUNTS
ALTERNATOR RECTIFIER OVRHT
THROTTLE RELEASE FAILURE
HEADLIGHT SWITCH FAILURE
SAFETY BELT RETRACTORS BRK
BRAKE GUARD ADVERSE AFFECT
POWER TRAIN LOCKUP
PASSENGER BRAKE
BRAKE FAILURE
SPRING HANGERS FRACTURE
BRAKE LINING DELAMINATION
SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILURE
HANDICAPPED DRIVER'S CTRL
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
REAR DOOR HINGE SEPARATION
PARKING BRAKE RELEASE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
DRIVER SEAT PEDESTAL CRACK
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
AUTO. SHOULDER BELT FAILS
LUG STUD FRACTURE
SLIDING DOOR HINGE FAILURE
REVERSE DELAYED ENGAGEMENT
HEATED MIRRORS MAY SHORT
DOOR HANDLES BREAKAGE
LUGGAGE GUTTER HOOK FAILS
ENG. WIRING HARNESS/FIRES
BRAKE PEDAL INTERFERENCE
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.