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.
PASSENGER BRAKE
BRAKE FAILURE
SPRING HANGERS FRACTURE
BRAKE LINING DELAMINATION
SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILURE
HANDICAPPED DRIVER'S CTRL
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
MOTOR HOME DEFECTS
AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILURE
REAR DOOR HINGE SEPARATION
PARKING BRAKE RELEASE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
DRIVER SEAT PEDESTAL CRACK
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
AUTO. SHOULDER BELT FAILS
LIFTGATE FAILURE
STEERING LOCKUP
LUG STUD FRACTURE
SLIDING DOOR HINGE FAILURE
DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILURE
REVERSE DELAYED ENGAGEMENT
HEATED MIRRORS MAY SHORT
DOOR HANDLES BREAKAGE
LUGGAGE GUTTER HOOK FAILS
ENG. WIRING HARNESS/FIRES
BRAKE PEDAL INTERFERENCE
JACK STAND FAILURE
ENGINE MOUNT FAILURE
UNSTABLE HIGH ENGINE IDLE
LOSS OF TRAILER STABILITY
REAR SUSPENSION SEPARATION
THROTTLE LINKAGE INTERFER
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
FIFTH WHEEL "HIGH HITCH" PROBLEM
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
FUEL PUMP FAILURE
TRANS PARK SYSTEM FAILURE
SEAT BELTS TOO SHORT
TRUNK LID FAILURE
LATCHES FAIL TO HOLD DOOR
POWER STEERING FAILURE
STEPWELL CORROSION
FUEL TANK BAFFLE/STALLS
TRANSIT BUS FIRES
ELECTRICAL LIGHT FIRES
FUEL SYSTEM OVERPRESSURE
LOW VOLTAGE LIGHT FAILURE
ENGINE STALLING
HOOD LATCH FAILURE
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.