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.
Transfer Switch Heat Related Failures
Wheel bearing failure
Isuzu N-Series
Occupant Classification System
KIA Spectra
Powered vehicle rollaway
Jeep Grand Cherokee
SRS Control Module Failure
Honda Honda
Loss of headlights
Mercury Grand Marquis
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Chrysler Chrysler
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
Ford Pickup
Air Bag Clockspring Wiring Failure
Brake Power Assist Failure
Chrysler Chrysler
5th Wheel malfunction
Lower ball joint separation
Mazda Mazda
False Positive Automated Braking
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Wheel Separation
Ford Ford
Front Coil Spring Fracture
Nissan Nissan
Emergency Exit Obstruction
Front brake hose failure
Ford Explorer
Front wheel failure
Inconsistent Throttle Control
Honda Gl1800
Inconsistent Throttle Response
Accelerator Pedal Fails to Return
Passenger Front Air Bag Suppression
Subaru Impreza
Entry Step Failures
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Volkswagen Volkswagen
Extended Stopping Distance
Mitsubishi Mitsubishi
Front suspension ball joint failure
CNG Fuel Container Burst During A Fire
Lincoln Lincoln
Loss of Windshield Wiper Function
LCI RV Entry Step Failures
Seat Belt Buckle Inoperative
Loss of air due to cracked wheel rim
Engine compartment fire
Chrysler Chrysler
Improper Frontal Air Bag Deployment
Infiniti Infiniti
Loss of Instrument Cluster Functions
Steering column separation
Infiniti Infiniti
Electric Power Steering Failure
Honda Accord
Motorcycle Stalling
Honda Cbr250r
XZA 295/60/R22.5 Steer Tire Failures
Electric power steering failure
Ford Ford
Headlight failures/fires
International International
Door Latch Failure
Ford Fiesta
Front brake hose failure
Ford Explorer
Swing-away boat trailer tongue failures
Motorcycle Fires
Loss of brake warning lights
Isuzu N-Series
Seat Belt Buckle Electrical Malfunction
Hyundai Hyundai
Alternator failure
Dodge Charger
CNG Fuel System Integrity
Freightliner Business Class M2
Steering Column Shaft Obstruction
Pedal Operation Interference
Nissan Versa Note
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.