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.
DEFOGGER FIRES
BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE
BMW BMW
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
FUEL TANK LEAK
FIRES IN REAR A/C
SEAT ATTACHMENT FAILURE
FUEL TANK OVERPRESSURIZATI
FIRES-COOLANT HOSE FAILURE
UNDER SEAT FIRES
DRAG LINK FAILURE
A/C BRACKET FAILURES
ELECTRICAL POWER FAILURE
JACK STAND FAILURE
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
STALLING
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
FUEL LEAKAGE
ELECTRICAL FIRES
REAR AXLE FAILURE
HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE
Ford Ford
LEFT REAR WHEEL SPINDLE
POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE
FUEL EXPULSION
FUEL EXPULSION
LATCH FAILURE
FUEL EXPULSION
FUEL EXPULSION
FUEL EXPULSION
BRAKE DRUM DISINTEGRATION
DOOR FALLS OFF
COOLING FAN CLUTCH FAILURE
COOLING FAN BEARING FAILUR
HALFSHAFT FAILURE
PASSGR COMPARTMENT FIRES
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
CRACKING OF PLASTIC SHELL
STALLING
Jeep Jeep
THROTTLE CABLE BINDING
SEAT BELT MECHANISM
ABS FAILURES
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
Sterling Sterling
REAR BRAKE LOCKUP
AXLE NUTS
ROLLOVER
SEAT MOVES
THROTTLE CONTROL
Jeep Jeep
LATCH FAILURE
HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE
TIRE FAILURES
CRNKSHFT PULLEY BOLT FAILR
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.