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.
Extended Braking Distance
Mercury Mercury
Scope of Recalls 08V311 and 09V431
Nissan Sentra
Engine Compartment Fire
Smart Fortwo
Vehicle Rollaway
Chrysler Chrysler
Powered vehicle rollaway
Jaguar Jaguar
Brake Master Cylinder Failure
Ford F-150
Inadvertent Curtain and Seat Air Bag
Nissan Nissan
Door Ajar Warning Light Always On
Ford Ford
Power Steering Failure
Ford Fusion
Electronic Parking Brake
Wheel End may Separate from Axle
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Chrysler Chrysler
Sudden Brake Failure - Motorcycle
Ford Explorer Exhaust Odor
Ford Explorer
Automatic vehicle control systems
Tesla Model S
Yaw rate sensor malfunction
Toyota Sequoia
Passenger Sensing System Sensor Mat
Pontiac Solstice
Wiper Motor Failure
Freightliner Freightliner
HCI Helmet Recalls
Loss of Windshield Wiper Function
Improperly torqued hex nuts/drive axles
Master Cylinder External Leak
Ford F-150
Motorcycle Stalling
Nitrous oxide solenoid valves
Vehicle rollaway, engine on
Chrysler Chrysler
CNG Fuel System Integrity
Door Latch Failure
Ford Focus
Improperly Seated Brake Diaphragm
Shasta Airflyte Safety Issues
Air Bag Clockspring Wiring Failure
Chrysler Chrysler
Front Tire Overload
Low-speed surging
Toyota Toyota
Hitch Failure
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
Ford Pickup
Front Brake Hose Failure
Ford Explorer
Transfer Switch Heat Related Failures
Wheel bearing failure
Isuzu N-Series
Ride Quality
Volvo Volvo
BMW Safety Act Violations
BMW BMW
Occupant Classification System
KIA Spectra
Occupant Classification System Failure
Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid
Powered vehicle rollaway
Jeep Grand Cherokee
SRS Control Module Failure
Honda Honda
International Autos, Inc. / Mini Recall
International International
Loss of headlights
Mercury Grand Marquis
Software security vulnerability
International International
Software security vulnerability
International International
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Chrysler Chrysler
Low-speed surging
Toyota Toyota
Terex reporting
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.