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.
HEADLIGHT FAILURE
EVAPORATIVE CANISTER LEAKAGE
BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WARNING LABEL
LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL
STEERING COLUMN FAILURE/SEPARATION
INFLATABLE CHILD SAFETY SEAT FAILURE
ALLEGED FAILURE OF REAR LEAF SPRINGS
SEAT BELT FAILURE
Subaru Subaru
AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT FAILURE
AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT FAILURE
Mitsubishi Mitsubishi
INCONSISTENT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE
ALLEGED FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
Chrysler Chrysler
REAR COMPARTMENT LID ROD SEPARATION
REAR FRAME/SUSPENSION FAILURE
ELECTRIC RELAY CAUSING VEHICLE FIRES
DYSFUNCTIONAL TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBL
Freightliner Freightliner
FLEX FAN FAILURE
DYSFUNCTIONAL TURN SIGNAL SWITCH ASSEMBL
Freightliner Freightliner
DYSFUNCTIONAL TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBL
Freightliner Freightliner
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURES
Oldsmobile Oldsmobile
DYSFUNCTIONAL TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY
Freightliner Freightliner
BRAKE PEDAL FADE/EXTENDED STOPPING
Ford Ford
VEHICLE ELECTRICAL FIRE
DOOR LATCH FAILURE
DYSFUNCTIONAL TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY
Freightliner Freightliner
REAR WHEEL SEPARATION
ROLLAWAY IN REVERSE WHEN PARKED
BATTERY EXPLOSIONS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT HOOD SUPPORT FAILURES
TRUCK FAN BLADE
CRACKING/FRACTURE OF CHASSIS FRAME RAILS
SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILURE
Chrysler Chrysler
STERRING WHEEL BREAKAGE
BRAKE PULL
Chevrolet Chevrolet
THROTTLE WILL NOT RETURN TO THE POSITION
VEHICLE ELECTRICAL FIRE
ALLEGED REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURE
ALLEGED STEERING GEARBOX BRACKET FAILURE
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES
Ford Taurus
CENTURY PRODUCTS CAR SEAT PLASTIC FRAME
SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE SEPARATION
Ford Ford
INAPPROPRIATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
STEERING GEAR SECTOR SHAFT ARM (PITMAN A
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH MALFUNCTION
MAZDA RX7 AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILURE
Mazda Mazda
REAR BRAKE LOCKUP
ALTERNATOR FIRES
Ford Ford
FMVSS 106 BRAKE HOSE LABEL NONCOMPLIANCE
ALLEGED WHEEL 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.