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.
LOW TRANSFER CASE LUBRICANT
SLIDE-OUT ROOM OPERATING MECHANISM
STEERING SHAFT FRACTURE
ERRATIC STEERING BOOST WHILE DRIVING
REAR SUSPENSION SPRING BREAKAGE
Ford F-150
BRAKE ROTOR DISC/HUB SEPARATION
Chrysler Chrysler
STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF REAR SUSPENSION
PARKING BRAKE
THROTTLE RETURN SPRING
Freightliner Freightliner
FUEL LEAKS FROM THE VAPOR CANISTER
FUEL LINE DAMAGE FROM JUMP STARTING
HORSE TRAILER SAFETY CABLE
ROOF HATCH DETACHMENT
SPEEDOMETER INOPERATIVE
STOP SALE NOTICE
STOP SALE NOTICE
SAAB SAAB
INERTIA FUEL SHUT OFF SWITCH
REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM
UNDER HOOD FIRES
FUEL HOSE DISCONNECTS FROM FUEL FILTER
Suzuki Suzuki
INCORRECT FUEL HOSE CONNECTION
BMW BMW
MOLDED GAS BOTTLE COVER
BROKEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Honda Passport
BROKEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL
NEW WHEEL BOLTS
SAAB SAAB
ELECTRICAL SHORT/FIRE
NITRILE RUBBER COMPONENTS
FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM FUEL LEAK
INADVERTENT DRIVER'S SID AIR BAG
THROTTLE HANG-UP
FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING BREAKAGE
HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT BREAKER
FUEL SPIT BACK DURING REFUELING
BRAKING SYSTEM/ABS
AIR BRAKE RESERVOIR
Ford Ford
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FAILURE
THROTTLE CABLE STICKING
Honda Civic
HEATER BLOWER ASSEMBLY FIRE
COOLANT FIRES
BLOWER ASSEMBLY FIRES
OCCUPANT HARNESS BUCKLE
DEGRADED BRAKING PERFORMANCE
INADEQUATE WELDING QUALITY CONTROL SEATS
ALLEGED LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL
FUEL TANK LEAK
OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
WIRING UNDER THE TRAILER MAN CAUSE FIRE
BATTERY HOLD DOWN
SUNSHADE RETAINER FAILURE
BALL JOINT 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.