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.
Loss of Motive Power
Ford Escape
Seat Belt Webbing Failure
Volkswagen Volkswagen
Door latch failure
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Fuel Tank Retention Failure
Honda Honda
Front Subframe Corrosion
Mazda Mazda6
Upper Steering Column Separation
Toyota Highlander
Daimler Trucks North America Recalls
PNDB Electrical Power Distribution
Freightliner Freightliner
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
Idler Pulley Bolt Failure
BMW BMW
Extended Braking Distance
Mercury Mercury
Extended Braking Distances
Nissan Nissan
Zipcar Rental Concerns
Air bags may be disabled during crash
Hyundai Hyundai
Low Pressure Fuel Supply Hose Leak
Mercedes-Benz Metris
Seat Belt Webbing Failure
Volkswagen Volkswagen
Goodyear G159 275/70R22.5 Tire Failure
Unexpected Transmission Downshift
Ford Expedition
Stall/Loss of Motive Power
Chrysler Chrysler
Tailpipe seperation resulting in fire
Power Steering Failure
Ford Fusion
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
Steering Wheel Fastening Bolt Loosens
Lincoln Lincoln
Seat belt latch failure
Exhaust Bellows Pipe Fracture Recall
RQ17 - 008 Closing
Freightliner Freightliner
Seatbelt Retractor Failure
Failed School Bus Seat Back Pans
Recall administration
Engine Compartment Fire
Mercedes-Benz
Northwest Chrysler Jeep Dodge Sale Issue
Chrysler Chrysler
Step rivets may shear
Door Latch Open While Driving
Exhaust Odor in Passenger Cab
Ford Ford
Close Equipment Query
Fuel Filter Flange May Crack
Volkswagen Volkswagen
Lazydays RV Retail Delivery Issue
Occupant Restraint Controller Failure
Jeep Liberty
Scope and Timeliness
Hyundai Hyundai
Scope and Timeliness
KIA KIA
Extended Braking Distances
Nissan Nissan
Loss of Headlights
Oldsmobile Oldsmobile
Steering Arm Capscrew Failures
Windshield Wiper Motor Failure
Freightliner Freightliner
Engine stall after refueling
BiCal Chevrolet/Loss of Power Steering
Chevrolet Chevrolet
Motorcycle Stalling
Suzuki Suzuki
Michelin XZU-3 305/85/R22.5Tire Failures
Champion Ford Edinboro / Steering Shaft
Ford Ford
Front Passenger Seat Belt Anchor 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.