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.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
FUEL SYSTEM FIRES
STEERING GEAR MALFUNCTIONS
REAR WHEEL LOCKUP
BROKEN REAR SPINDLES
CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTION
AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILS
ENGINE WIRING HARNESS ROUTING
AIR HOSE ASSEMBLY
DEFECTIVE WIRING
BRAKE TREADLE VALVE CORRODES
INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER RIMS
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILS
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
BATTERY BOX COVER SEPARATION
ENGINE MOUNT FAILURES
CAST ALUMINUM WHEEL FAILURE
FUEL PUMP FAILS/TANK LEAKS
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILS
CHLD SFTY SEAT LATCH INTER
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
FRAME BREAKAGE
NO DRIVER'S SAFETY RAIL
BROKEN TIE RODS
GROUNDING STRAP ROUTING
ACCELERATOR + BRAKE PEDAL PLACEMENT
ENGINE FIRES
FLAMMABLE A/C REFRIGERANT
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH
CNG FUEL TANK FAILURE
REAR AXLE HOUSING FAILURE
FUEL LINE ROUTING
AEROSOL TIRE REPAIR PRODUCTS
LIFTGATE LATCHES
Chrysler Chrysler
TURBOCHARGER MALFUNCTION
AUTO RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAIL
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
CHLD SFTY SEAT WIRING FAIL
SEAT BELT
Chrysler Chrysler
PREMATURE REAR TIRE WEAR
INADVERTENT SHIFT OF TRANSMISSION
FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE
HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE CRACKS/LEAKS
ACTRON GAUGE KIT FIRES
HEATER CORE FAILURE
QUICK-CONNECT FUEL LINE FAILURE
FRAME CRACKS
BRAKE ACTUATING ROD FASTENER CHANGE
THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING
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.