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.
STEERING BINDING & LOCKUP
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAIL
INADEQUATE BRAKES
GVWR EXCEEDS AXLE CAPACITY
WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL
POWER STEERING FAILURE
JACK STAND FAILURE
LIFT GATE FALLS OFF
HOOD LATCHES FAIL
BATTERY CABLE SHORTS
ABSENCE OF SAFETY CHAIN
LOWER CNTRL ARM FRACTURE
WHEEL LIFTS
ENGINE COMPARTMEMT FIRE
FRNT SUSPENSION VIBRATES
BRAKE DISC HUB FAILURE
LOOSE LOGO LABEL
TRAILER SEPARATION
STEERING LOCKUP
PARK BRAKE SLOW TO ENGAGE
PARK BRAKE DRUM LOOSE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
FABRIC PUSH PIN INGESTION
THROTTLE STICKING
BRAKE FAILURE
GEAR SHIFT LEVER FAILS
DOOR MOTOR FRACTURE
SAFETY BELT D-RING
SAFETY BELT CUT BY D-RING
FUEL TANK CORROSION
FRONT BODY BOLTS FAIL
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILS
SPEED CONTROL FAILS
BATTERY CABLE SHORT
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
SAFETY BELT CUT BY D-RING
TRNSMSSION PARK GEAR FAIL
TRAILING ARM CORROSION
RECONSIDERATION OF CLOSED INVEST.
BRAKE HOSES BALLOONING
WELDING CRACKS
LATCH FAILURE
FR SEAT FLOOR MOUNT FAILS
INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM'S
ALUMINUM WHEEL FAILURE
REAR AXLE SHAFT FAILURE
JACK STAND FAILURE
JACK STAND FAILURE
JACK STAND FAILURE
JACK STAND 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.