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.
Blocked Fuel Delivery Resulting in Stall
Windshield Wiper Failures
Volvo Heavy Truck
Coolant Leak Resulting in Occupant Burns
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Ford Escape
Stop Lamp Switch Signal
SmartPlex Multiplexer Module Failure
Loss of Emergency Power & Accessories
Motorcycle Stalling
Fuel Leak - Motorcycle
Motorscooter Stalling
Speed control cable damage
Ford Taurus
Child Seat Harness Buckle
Engine stall, fuel delivery failure
Chrysler Chrysler
Fuel Pressure Regulator Leak
Steering Shaft Universal Joint Failure
Hyundai Santa FE
Vehicle Stability Assist Malfunction
Honda Honda
Ignition Interlock Failure - Rollaway
Honda Odyssey
Panoramic Sunroof Breakage
Hyundai Veloster
Loss of Steering Control
Aux. Brake Failure - Adaptive Equipment
SRS Warning Light Illumination
Nissan Nissan
Collision Mitigation System Malfunction
Infiniti Infiniti
Power steering hose failure
Chrysler Chrysler
Rear Differential Failure
Chrysler Chrysler
Stuck Throttle
Ford Escape
Air Brake Reservoir Bracket Fracture
Electric power steering failure
Ford Explorer
Engine stall
Chrysler Chrysler
Wheel-End Failures
Wheelchair restraint failure
Rear Suspension Arm Assembly Failure
Toyota Toyota
Side Curtain Air Bag Improper Deployment
Hyundai Elantra
High Pressure Oil Line Rupture
International International
Engine compartment fire
Chevrolet Chevrolet
Skid plate debris fires
Chrysler Chrysler
Engine compartment fires
MCI Driveshaft Safety Loop Failures
Turbocharger Failure
Stuck throttle
Ford Taurus
Diminished Brake Performance
Driver's Master Power Window Switch
Chevrolet Chevrolet
Power Window Master Switch Fire
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Fuel System (Tank/Sender) Leakage
Collapse of Squad Seat Base
Corrosion of Third-Row Seat Attachment
Ford Ford
Fuel Filler Pipe Corrosion/Leakage
Chevrolet Chevrolet
Fuel level gauge system failure
Infiniti Infiniti
Post-Crash EV Fire Hazard
Engine compartment fire
MINI Cooper
Inadvertent Air Bag Deployment
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.