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.
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
STEERING DAMPER SEPARATION
ANTIFREEZE UNDERHOOD FIRES
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
SEAT BELT CUTTING
RECONSIDER SAMURAI PETITION
FIRES
THROTTLE PLATE JAMS OPEN
MOTOR HOME WHEELS
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
VAPOR LOCK
OVERLOAD
HORN FAILURE
FRONT FORK FAILURE
FRNT SEAT LAP BELT JAMMING
FUEL SYSTEM VENTING
TRAILING ARM
ELECTRICAL SHORTS
ALLEGED VEHICLE OVERLOAD
REAR AXLE SHAFT
POWER LOSS
FAILURE
WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR
POWER STEERING HOSE
BATTERY CABLE GROUNDING
AIR BRAKES
FRONT SEAT BRACKET
HEAD REST DROPS
REAR HUB CARRIER FAILURE
OIL LEAKS
STEERING COLUMN DROPS
P/S BRACKET FAILURE
LOGIC MODULE
EVAP CANISTER FIRES
LOOSE REAR BRK BACKING BLT
WHEEL SEPARATION
TRUNK FIRE
POWER STEERING HOSE
SEAT BLT FAILS TO LOCK
FUEL EXPULSION
FUEL TANK LEAKS
FUEL EXPULSION
FUEL EXPULSION
FUEL EXPULSION
FILLER PIPE SEAL
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
ENGINE COMP FIRES
REAR WHEEL SPINDLE
REAR A/C UNIT
ABS 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.