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.
OVERLOAD & OVERHEAT
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Toyota Toyota
SEAT FAILURES
Chrysler Chrysler
EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT
FUEL EXPULSION
EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT
THROTTLE SYSTEM FAILURE
FUEL TANK PENETRATION
REAR DISC BRAKE FAILURE
HYDROBOOST FAILURE
PITMAN ARM FAILURE
Mitsubishi Mitsubishi
REAR INNER WHEEL BEARINGS
SEAT BLT STALK CABLE WIRES
Chrysler Chrysler
FAILURE
Volvo Volvo White
DOOR FALLS OFF
Ford Ford
STALLING
Ford Ford
SEPARATED STRNG KNUCKLE
STEERING BINDING
Ford Ford
SEAT TRACK FAILURE
Chrysler Chrysler
STALLING
SEAT TRACK FAILURE
Ford Escort
BRAKE LOSS
Hyundai Hyundai
COLLAPSING JACK
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
BRAKE LINE/ELECT WIRE
Nissan Nissan
MUFFLERS EXPLODE
ENG. AND UNDER DASH FIRES
Ford Ford
INOPERATIVE SEAT BLT PENDL
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
FUEL LEAKS/FIRES
FRONT BRK CALIPER SEIZURE
STEERING SYST. FAILURES
Ford Ford
ENGINE FIRES
LOSS OF POWER BRK ASSIST
Chrysler Chrysler
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Ford Ford
LATCH DISENGAGEMENT
REAR BRAKE DRUMS
PARK BRAKE SWITCH MALF
FAILURE
DEFECTIVE DRAW BAR
FUEL SPURTING
Chevrolet Chevrolet
CROSSMEMBER CRACKING
ELECT. FAILURES/FIRES
ELECT. FAILURES/FIRES
Ford Ford
PASSENGER ENTRAPMENT
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
Mercedes-Benz
HOOD LATCH FAILURE
RAPID RELEASE
REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE
Chrysler Chrysler
INEFFECTIVE AIR BRAKES
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.