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.
BRAKE PEDAL SEPARATION FROM PIVOT ARM
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRES
BRAKE LIGHT WIRING SEVERING
BRAKE PEDAL SEPARATION FROM PIVOT ARM
STEERING DAMPER/FUEL TANK INTEFERENCE
REAR AXLE SCREWS
REAR BRAKE DISC SEPARATION
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
SEAT BACK FAILURE
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER/BOOSTER SEPARATION
LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL
RETENTION CUP INGESTION
TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAIL
TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAIL
INADEQUATE BRK PERFORMANCE
TRUCK LID SUPPORT FAILURE
AUTO RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAIL
FRONT BRAKE FIRES
AIR BAG WIRING FAILURE
DEFECTIVE LATCHING MECHNSM
TRNS OIL COOLER LINE FAILS
Ford Ford
TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAIL
TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAIL
TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAIL
TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAIL
TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAIL
TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAIL
TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAIL
CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE
FIRES IN STEERING COLUMN
FUEL LINE INTERFERENCE
VEHICLE FIRES
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
FLOOR FAILURE
HOOD FLY-UP
ALTERNATOR FIRES
BRAKE LINE PUNCTURES
TRANS HOSE SEPARATION
TIRE FAILURES
HORN PAD FALLS OFF
TRNSAXL OIL HOSE SEPARATES
REAR WHEEL SEPARATION
INTERIOR FIRES
PASSIVE RESTRAINT FAILURES
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
FUEL INJECTOR PUMP FAILS
ALLISON TRANSMISSION FAILS
BRAKE FLUID LEAKS
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.