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.
Rear Differential Failure
Chrysler Chrysler
Air Bag Non-deployment
Chrysler Chrysler
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Excessive Brake Pedal Travel
Nissan Versa Note
Clutch Interlock Switch Malfunction
Mitsubishi Mitsubishi
Fuel level gauge system failure
Nissan Nissan
Bosch EV charging coupler overheating
Active Safety System Malfunction
Chevrolet Chevrolet
Front Lower Control Arm Failing
Brake Surface Grease Contamination
Front brake malfunction - Motorcycle
Motorcycle steering lockup
Brake Booster Failure
Mazda Mazda
Car Seat Harness Buckle
Inadvertent Side Air Bag Deployment
Honda Accord
Front spindle failure
Eagle Eagle
Brake Actuator malfunction
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Pintle Hook Loop Failure
CNG Fuel Container Securement
Ford Transit
Fire - Propulsion Battery - Road Debris
Tesla Model S
Partial Loss of Exterior Lights
Volkswagen Volkswagen
Panoramic Sunroof Breakage
KIA Sorento
Jeep Liberty Door Fires
Chrysler Chrysler
Brake hydraulic control module failure
Hyundai Hyundai
Trailer Structural Cracks
Loss of power assist braking
BMW 3-Series
Electric powertrain propulsion failure
Ford Focus Electric
Transmission cooler hose separation
Nissan Nissan
Sway Bar End Link Failure
Headliner Fires
Jeep Jeep
Loss of rear tail light functionality
Front Axle Shaft Failure
Hyundai Santa FE Sport
Inappropriate autonomous braking
Honda Odyssey
Parking Brake Failure
Motorcycle stalling
Occupant Classification System Failure
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Inadvertent Air Bag Deployment
Honda Odyssey
Loose Mounting Straps and Stuck Valves
Reduced power during hard acceleration
Ford F-150
Aerial Fire Apparatus Cable Failure
Door Latch Failures Due to Loose Screws
Mazda Mazda6
Engine Stall
Chrysler Chrysler
Alleged Loss of Steering
Ford F-350 Super Duty
Loss of Low Beam Headlights
Rapid coolant loss
Porsche Porsche
Delayed Throttle Response
Single Wheel End Thermal Overload
Rear suspension knuckle fracture
Dodge Viper
High exhaust temperature causing fire
Ford Ford
Rear Control Arm Failure
Hyundai Hyundai
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.