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.
MISSING CROTCH STRAP
POOR BRAKING
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
SEAT FAILURE
WIRE HARNESS CHAFING
VARIOUS BRAKE PROBLEMS
VARIOUS BRAKE PROBLEMS
FRNT COIL SPRNG FRACTURE
VARIOUS BRAKE PROBLEMS
VARIOUS BRAKE PROBLEMS
VARIOUS BRAKE PROBLEMS
VARIOUS BRAKE PROBLEMS
VARIOUS BRAKE PROBLEMS
VARIOUS BRAKE PROBLEMS
VARIOUS BRAKE PROBLEMS
FRAME CRACKING
VARIOUS BRAKE PROBLEMS
ELECTRICAL SHORTS
STALLING
VARIOUS BRAKE PROBLEMS
DRIVER SEAT FAILURE
DESIGN CAUSES FINGER INJUR
DESIGN CAUSES FINGER INJUR
SEAT TETHER FAILURE
FUEL SYSTEM VENTING
Honda Honda
COOLING FAN FAILURE
DEFOGGER FIRES
BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE
BMW BMW
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
FUEL TANK LEAK
FIRES IN REAR A/C
FUEL TANK OVERPRESSURIZATI
DRAG LINK FAILURE
A/C BRACKET FAILURES
ELECTRICAL POWER FAILURE
JACK STAND FAILURE
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
FUEL LEAKAGE
REAR AXLE FAILURE
HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE
Ford Ford
LEFT REAR WHEEL SPINDLE
POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE
FUEL EXPULSION
FUEL EXPULSION
FUEL EXPULSION
FUEL EXPULSION
FUEL EXPULSION
BRAKE DRUM DISINTEGRATION
COOLING FAN CLUTCH FAILURE
COOLING FAN BEARING FAILUR
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.