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.
FUEL LEAK FROM VAPOR CANISTER
REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM/BOLT
LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL
UNDERHOOD FUEL LEAKAGE AND FIRES
UNDERHOOD FUEL LEAKAGE AND FIRES
UNDERHOOD FUEL LEAKAGE AND FIRES
UNDERHOOD FUEL LEAKAGE AND FIRES
STEERING COLUMNS
INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL
Ford F-150
THROTTLE HANG-UP
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE
Chrysler Chrysler
CO INTRUSION
TRANSMISSION QUICK CONNECTORS
Chrysler Chrysler
FUEL INJECTOR ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE
Chrysler Chrysler
FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE
ICE FORMATION IN THE THROTTLE BODY
THROTTLE STICKING
FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURE
ELECTRICAL SHORT/FIRE
INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
CLUTCH HYDRAULIC LINE
UNDERHOOD FIRES
MISMATCHED BRAKE ACTUATION CHAMBERS
INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
LOSS OF REAR BRAKES
BMW BMW
SLIDING TOP DOOR KIT
FUEL SENDER ASSEMBLY FIRES
INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION TORSION BAR
SEAT BACK FAILURES
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRE
ERRATIC TURN SIGNAL OPERATION
HEATER CORE RUPTURE
UNDERHOOD FIRES
OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP
FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT READ BELOW 1/4
OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
UNDERHOOD FIRES
AD-IP PURGE VALVE UPDATE AND CHANGEUP
HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT FAILURE
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE IGNITION INTERLOCK
HEAVY LATERAL VIBRATION
Ford Explorer Sport
UNDERHOOD FIRES
WHEEL SEPARATION
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
CONVERTIBLE TOP OPENING WHILE DRIVING
VEHICLE ROLLOVER
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FAILURE
CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER DISENGAGEMENT
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.