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.
STICKING THROTTLE
COOLANT TANK FAILURE
SEAT BACK BOLT BREAKAGE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
HEADLAMP FAILURES
WHEEL FAILURE
BRAKE DISC/HUB SEPARATION
RECALLS OF MEDALLION--VARIOUS
APV FIRES
WINDOW SHATTERING
APV FUEL LINE FIRES
STEEL WHEEL FAILURES
HEATER CORE FAILURE
INADVERTENT DOOR OPENING
HEATER CORE FAILURE
SCHOOL BUS FRAME CRACKS
P30 CHASS.ROAD WHL FAILURE
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY
FUEL TANK/EXHAUST INTERFER
HIGH IDLE FLARE
MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELT RELEASES
SEAT BREAKS FROM TRACK
ROOF LADDER STEP FAILURES
STUCK POWER DOOR LOCKS
WHEEL LUG BOLT FAILURE
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
POWER STEERING LEAKS/FIRES
PARK BRAKE HANDLE FAILURE
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
FNT RECLNING SEAT BCK FAIL
HAND BRAKING CONTROL FAILS
TRANSMISSION FAILURES
BRAKE CALIPER CORROSION
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
SCHOOL BUS STEERING PROB.
MOTOR HOME FIRE HAZARD
CAR SEAT CUSHION
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
ELECTROLUMINESCENT DASHBOARD
OVERLOADED REAR AXLES
AXLE/UNIVER.YOKE FAILURE
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
APU GENERATOR SEPARATION
LOSS OF BRK EFFECTIVENESS
AIR DISC BRAKE FAILURE
CHILD SAFETY SEAT VS PASS. SIDE AIR BAG
SEAT BACK & PADDING FAILS
WHL SEPARATION/TORQUE LOSS
SAFETY BLT ANCHORAGE BRKS
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.