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.
SEAT BLT STALK CABLE WIRES
Chrysler Chrysler
CUTLASS SUPREME BRAKE LOCKUP
ENGINE SURGE
Mercury Mercury
FAILURE
Volvo Volvo White
DOOR FALLS OFF
Ford Ford
STALLING
Ford Ford
JOINT STRENGTH
SAAB 900 FIRES
SAAB SAAB
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
SEPARATED STRNG KNUCKLE
STEERING BINDING
Ford Ford
SEAT TRACK FAILURE
Chrysler Chrysler
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Ford Ford
STALLING
FUEL EXPULSION
FILLER NECK SPURT
SEAT TRACK FAILURE
Ford Escort
BRAKE LOSS
Hyundai Hyundai
REAR AXLE FRACTURE
REAR SUSPENSION OVERLOAD
FUEL SPURTING
WELD CRACKS
82 BUICK SEAT DISLODGEMENT
Buick Buick
FAILURE
MERCEDES SEAT BELT DEGRADATION
COLLAPSING JACK
CROSS BAR PRESSES NECK
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
STEERING CONTROL
PLATE HANGS UP
1987 HONDA REBEL MOTORCYCLE
Honda Honda
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
HONDA HIGH ENGINE SPEED
Honda Honda
84 OLDS BRAKE LOCKUP
BRAKE LINE/ELECT WIRE
Nissan Nissan
MUFFLERS EXPLODE
ENG. AND UNDER DASH FIRES
Ford Ford
INOPERATIVE SEAT BLT PENDL
REAR SUSPENSION OVERLOAD
TRACTOR TRAILER HITCHES
REAR SUSPENSION OVERLOAD
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
FUEL LEAKS/FIRES
REAR BRAKES
FRONT BRK CALIPER SEIZURE
STEERING SYST. FAILURES
Ford Ford
ENGINE FIRES
LOSS OF POWER BRK ASSIST
Chrysler Chrysler
1982 SUZUKI SJ410K ROLLOVER
Suzuki Suzuki
84-86 ECONOLINE FUEL EXPULSION
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.