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.
STEERING MALFUNCTION
POOR LUG RETENTION
TREAD SEPARATION
SHIFTER FAILURE
ELECTRICAL FIRES
JEEP-TYPE VEHICLE STABILITY
THROTTLE LINKAGE STICKING
INSTRMNT LIGHT ON WINDSHLD
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
QUAD 4 ENG WIRING FAILURE
FUEL EXPULSION
HYDRO BOOST
BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE
BRAKE SYSTEM
FUEL TANK INTEGRITY
SEAT TRACK
REAR BRK LIGHTS STAY ON
HIGH TEMP & FUEL EXP
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
FUEL INTRUSION
NON COLLISION FIRES
Lincoln Town CAR
HIGH BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT
FRONT SWAY BAR SEPARATION
INSUFFICIENT WELD PENETRAT
EXHAUST MANIFOLD LEAKS
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILS
STABILIZER BAR SEPARATION
ACCORD SUDDEN ACCEL-SEE DP87-026
CIRCUIT BREAKER FAILURES
REAR SEAT BELT COMPLIANCE
STRAP ACROSS NECK
SHUTOFF SOLENOID
HIGH TEMP,FUEL EXP.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
RECONSIDER DENIED PETITION DP87-020
THROTTLE CONTROL
FIRES
ELASTIC STRAP FAILURE
LUMBAR SWTCH HRNESS FIRES
SEAT ATTACHMENT
Chrysler Chrysler
CHILD SEAT FAILURE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
LOWER CONTROL ARM
STEERING OUTPUT SHAFT
Mitsubishi Mitsubishi
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
STALLING
FIRES CAUSED BY CLTCH LK
POOR BRAKING ON PANIC STOP
ELEC. REAR WINDOW
Chrysler Chrysler
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.