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.
WHEEL SEPARATION
STEERING TIE ROD FAILURE
FUEL SYS. OVERPRESSURE
RACK AND PINION SEPARATION
FUEL TANK STRAP FAILURE
SEATBACK FAILURES
FUEL TANK LEAKS
WHEEL SEPARATION
A/C WIRING HARNESS OVRLD
LP TANK SEPARATION
REAR CAB MOUNT FAILURE
SHACKLE FAILURE
BELT TONGUE BREAKAGE
HINGE/LOCKPIN FRACTURE
SECTOR SHAFT FAILURE
BATTERY CABLE MISLABELED
REAR FLOOR JOISTS FRACTURE
FAILURE STOP LAMP SWITCH
DIESEL ENGINE SURGE
JUMP SEAT FAILURE
REAR SUSPENSION FAILS
SEAT SEPARATION
JACK STAND FAILURE
CHAMBER HANGUP
THROTTLE LINKAGE FAILS
FIFTH WHEEL CRACKS
REAR SEAT STRUCTURE FAILS
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAIL
GVWR EXCEEDS AXLE CAPACITY
WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL
JACK STAND FAILURE
HOOD LATCHES FAIL
BATTERY CABLE SHORTS
LOWER CNTRL ARM FRACTURE
ENGINE COMPARTMEMT FIRE
BRAKE DISC HUB FAILURE
TRAILER SEPARATION
STEERING LOCKUP
PARK BRAKE SLOW TO ENGAGE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
THROTTLE STICKING
DOOR MOTOR FRACTURE
SAFETY BELT D-RING
SAFETY BELT CUT BY D-RING
FRONT BODY BOLTS FAIL
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILS
SPEED CONTROL FAILS
BATTERY CABLE SHORT
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
TRNSMSSION PARK GEAR FAIL
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.