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.
WELD FAILURE IN STRUCTURE
LOWER BALL JOINT FAILS
FUEL TANK LEAKS
MSTR CYL FAILS TO RELEASE
SPEED CONTROL FAILURE
TRAILER HITCH SEPARATION
TRAILER HITCH SEPERATION
PORT INJECTOR FUEL LEAKS
THROTTLE STICKING
SAFETY BUCKLE BREAKAGE
TIRE/FRAME INTERFERENCE
STEERING GEAR FAILURE
BRAKE FAILURE
UNDERDASH FIRES
LABEL INGESTION
SAFETY BELTS
TRANSMISSION OIL LINE FIRE
TRANSMISSION OIL LINE FIRE
PADDING INGESTION
REAR AXLE SHAFT FAILURES
REAR FRAME CRACKS
THROTTLE CABLE STICKS
STEERING BINDS
UNEXPECTED ENGINE SHUTDOWN
SPEED CNTRL MALFUNCTION
TRAILER SEPARATION
RETURN SPRING
HANDLEBAR DETACHMENT
SPARE TIRE MOUNTING BRKT
PS PUMP PULLEY BREAKS
SEAT CRACKING
ARM REST FAILURES
DRUM BRAKE SYSTEM
ABS FAILURE
BALL JOINT FAILURES
SAFETY BELT FAILURE
UNDER DASH FIRES
SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR
ARMREST FRACTURES
THROTTLE GRIP STICKS
SAFETY BELT FRAYING
SAFETY BELT BUCKLE BREAKAG
REAR BRAKE PIN
SEAT FAILURES
SEAT BACK FAILURE
CRACKED BRAKE DRUMS
REAR SAFETY BELT JAMS
BIND,LOOSENESS,LOCKUP
PARKING BRAKE CABLE
PASSIVE BELTS
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.