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.
SAFETY BELT FAILURE
PWR SEAT MALFUNC - FIRE
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
LOSS OF STEERING
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
TRAILER SEPARATION
STEERING LOCKUP
REAR SAFETY BELT JAMS
SPEED CONTROL MALFUNCTION
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH
Chevrolet Chevrolet
SEATBACK FAILURE
BRAKE LEAD
RUPTURED LPG PIPE
INADEQUATE BRAKES
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH
ENGINE BACKFIRE
FUEL TANK STRAP FAILURE
HORN FAILURE
BRAKES
FUEL TANK/DRIVESHAFT
REAR AXLE SEAL FAILURE
POWER STEERING HOSE FAILS
JAMMED STEERING MECHANISM
HEATER HOSE ROUTING
FUEL TANK SEPARATION
REAR BRAKE PIN
FUEL FILLER PIPE SPURTING
HEATER CORE FAILURE
ANTI LOCK BRAKES
CRUISE CONTROL
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
FRAME CORROSION
CRUISE CONTROL ERRATIC
FRAME FRACTURES
POWER STEERING LOCKING
Ford Ford
UNDERHOOD FIRES
HEATER HOSE MISROUTING
Ford Ford
HEADREST FAILURE
UNDERHOOD FIRES
UNDERHOOD FIRES
UNDERHOOD FIRES
UNDERHOOD FIRES
UNDERHOOD FIRES
UNDERHOOD FIRES
UNDERHOOD FIRES
UNDERHOOD FIRES
UNDERHOOD FIRES
UNDERHOOD FIRES
UNDERHOOD FIRES
UNDERHOOD FIRES
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.