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.
STALLING & TRANSMISSION
SEAT ANCHORAGE FAILURE
WHEEL SEPARATION
STEERING TIE ROD FAILURE
FUEL SYS. OVERPRESSURE
RACK AND PINION SEPARATION
FUEL TANK STRAP FAILURE
SEATBACK FAILURES
FUEL TANK LEAKS
FAILURE OF JACK STAND
STEERING LOCKUP
TRANS DOES NOT ENGAGE IN PARK
WHEEL SEPARATION
A/C WIRING HARNESS OVRLD
LP TANK SEPARATION
AMENDMENT RE CHILD SEAT LABEL
BRAKE CHAMBER FAILURE
REAR CAB MOUNT FAILURE
SHACKLE FAILURE
JACK STAND FAILURE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
BELT TONGUE BREAKAGE
HINGE/LOCKPIN FRACTURE
HOOD LATCHES FAIL
JEEP CJ ROLLOVER
Jeep Jeep
CHILD CAR SEATS
CHILD CAR SEATS
SECTOR SHAFT FAILURE
BATTERY CABLE MISLABELED
REAR FLOOR JOISTS FRACTURE
SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR FAIL
FAILURE STOP LAMP SWITCH
BRAKE HOSES "BALLOON"
DIESEL ENGINE SURGE
JUMP SEAT FAILURE
FAILURE JACK STAND
SPARE TIRE CARRIER FAILS
REAR SUSPENSION FAILS
PASSIVE SAFETY BELT FAILS
SEAT SEPARATION
JACK STAND FAILURE
FAILURE JACK STAND
CHAMBER HANGUP
HOOD LATCH FAILURE
THROTTLE LINKAGE FAILS
FIFTH WHEEL CRACKS
PARKING BRAKE
REAR SEAT STRUCTURE FAILS
FLOOR PAN FRACTURE
FAILED ANTILOCK BRAKES
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.