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.
Blocked Fuel Delivery Resulting in Stall
Windshield Wiper Failures
VOLVO HEAVY TRUCK
Coolant Leak Resulting in Occupant Burns
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
FORD ESCAPE
Stop Lamp Switch Signal
SmartPlex Multiplexer Module Failure
Loss of Emergency Power & Accessories
Motorcycle Stalling
Fuel Leak - Motorcycle
Motorscooter Stalling
Speed control cable damage
FORD TAURUS
Child Seat Harness Buckle
Engine stall, fuel delivery failure
CHRYSLER CHRYSLER
Fuel Pressure Regulator Leak
Steering Shaft Universal Joint Failure
HYUNDAI SANTA FE
Vehicle Stability Assist Malfunction
HONDA HONDA
Ignition Interlock Failure - Rollaway
HONDA ODYSSEY
Panoramic Sunroof Breakage
HYUNDAI VELOSTER
Loss of Steering Control
Aux. Brake Failure - Adaptive Equipment
SRS Warning Light Illumination
NISSAN NISSAN
Collision Mitigation System Malfunction
INFINITI INFINITI
Power steering hose failure
CHRYSLER CHRYSLER
Rear Differential Failure
CHRYSLER CHRYSLER
Stuck Throttle
FORD ESCAPE
Air Brake Reservoir Bracket Fracture
Electric power steering failure
FORD EXPLORER
Engine stall
CHRYSLER CHRYSLER
Wheel-End Failures
Wheelchair restraint failure
Rear Suspension Arm Assembly Failure
TOYOTA TOYOTA
Side Curtain Air Bag Improper Deployment
HYUNDAI ELANTRA
High Pressure Oil Line Rupture
INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL
Engine compartment fire
CHEVROLET CHEVROLET
Skid plate debris fires
CHRYSLER CHRYSLER
Engine compartment fires
MCI Driveshaft Safety Loop Failures
Turbocharger Failure
Stuck throttle
FORD TAURUS
Diminished Brake Performance
Driver's Master Power Window Switch
CHEVROLET CHEVROLET
Power Window Master Switch Fire
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID
Fuel System (Tank/Sender) Leakage
Collapse of Squad Seat Base
Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment
FORD FORD
Fuel Filler Pipe Corrosion/Leakage
CHEVROLET CHEVROLET
Fuel level gauge system failure
INFINITI INFINITI
Post-Crash EV Fire Hazard
Engine compartment fire
MINI COOPER
Inadvertent Air Bag Deployment
Unexpected Closing of Power Liftgate
HONDA ODYSSEY
Service Jack Failure
Pass-Through Power Stud Corrosion
Brake Line Chafing
Wheelchair Lift Rollstop Failure
Thomas Built CNG Tank Abrasion
Output shaft failure and separation
Fire truck aerial ladder failure
Brake master cylinder leak
MAZDA MAZDA
Vehicle Rollaway
BMW BMW
Inability to shift gears on acceleration
FORD FORD
Diesel Fuel Injector Line Leakage
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTWAGEN
Engine Oil Cooler Line Detachment
LOTUS ELISE
Airbag Clockspring Failure
CHRYSLER CHRYSLER
Brake Master Cylinder Internal Leak
NISSAN NISSAN
Transmission Cable Failure
Idle instability
MERCURY MERCURY
Low Beam Headlights Stop Working
HONDA HONDA
Rear Liftgate Window Glass Breakage
FORD FORD
Battery Cable Corrosion
Fuel level gauge system failure
Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure
CHRYSLER CHRYSLER
Fontaine Ultra LT 5th Wheel False Latch
FREIGHTLINER FREIGHTLINER
Transmission Intermediate Driveshaft
KIA SORENTO
Front suspension control arm failure
SUBARU FORESTER
Outer Tie Rod Failure
CHRYSLER CHRYSLER
Haldex Brake Chamber Spring Failures
Caterpillar C7 Hose Leak
Fuel Tank Straps Fail due to Corrosion
Hybrid inverter failure - vehicle stall
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID
Frame/Body Structure Corrosion
NISSAN PATHFINDER
Wheel Stud Fracture
FORD FUSION
Fuel Leak
RPM's surging during pump mode
Brake lamp switch failure.
Hitch Receiver Fracture
Engine Cooling Fan Fracture
Driver's Master Power Window Switch
HONDA HONDA
Transmission Shift Cable Detachment
Failing 5th wheel attachment bolts
MACK CXU612
Motorcycle coolant leak...radiator
Fuel leak at pump/tank interface
Motorcycle Stalling
Hydraulic Auxiliary Pump Fitting Failure
Wheel Separation (Broken Studs)
Python Lift - Inadvertent Operation
Loss of Power Steering Assist
BMW BMW
Low Beam Headlights
HONDA HONDA
Fuel Tank Strap Corrosion/Rust
Steering Shaft Separation
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.