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.
SPEED CONTROL FAILURE
TRAILER HITCH SEPARATION
TRAILER HITCH SEPERATION
PORT INJECTOR FUEL LEAKS
THROTTLE STICKING
TIRE/FRAME INTERFERENCE
BRAKE FAILURE
UNDERDASH FIRES
LABEL INGESTION
TRANSMISSION OIL LINE FIRE
TRANSMISSION OIL LINE FIRE
PADDING INGESTION
REAR AXLE SHAFT FAILURES
REAR FRAME CRACKS
THROTTLE CABLE STICKS
STEERING BINDS
UNEXPECTED ENGINE SHUTDOWN
HANDLEBAR DETACHMENT
SPARE TIRE MOUNTING BRKT
PS PUMP PULLEY BREAKS
SEAT CRACKING
ABS FAILURE
BALL JOINT FAILURES
SAFETY BELT FAILURE
UNDER DASH FIRES
SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR
ARMREST FRACTURES
THROTTLE GRIP STICKS
SAFETY BELT BUCKLE BREAKAG
CRACKED BRAKE DRUMS
BIND,LOOSENESS,LOCKUP
PARKING BRAKE CABLE
AUTO LIFT STOP LATCH FAILS
PASSIVE BELT FAILURE
BRAKES DRAG & FAIL
FAN BLADE SEPARATION
CROSSMEMBER CRACKS
PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM
CRACKED BRAKE DRUMS
REAR SAFETY BELT
STEERING WHEELS LOOSE
DRUM BRAKE FAILURE
BROKEN STABILIZER BAR
UNDERDASH FIRES
LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE
FUEL HOSE
FIREWALL FRACTURE
GEARSHIFT LEVER BREAKS
GEARSHIFT LEVER BREAKS
STEERING GEAR FAILURE
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.