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.
Unexpected Closing of Power Liftgate
Honda Odyssey
Service Jack Failure
Pass-Through Power Stud Corrosion
Brake Line Chafing
Wheelchair Lift Rollstop Failure
Thomas Built CNG Tank Abrasion
Output shaft failure and separation
Fire truck aerial ladder failure
Brake master cylinder leak
Mazda Mazda
Vehicle Rollaway
BMW BMW
Inability to shift gears on acceleration
Ford Ford
Diesel Fuel Injector Line Leakage
Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
Engine Oil Cooler Line Detachment
Lotus Elise
Airbag Clockspring Failure
Chrysler Chrysler
Brake Master Cylinder Internal Leak
Nissan Nissan
Transmission Cable Failure
Idle instability
Mercury Mercury
Low Beam Headlights Stop Working
Honda Honda
Rear Liftgate Window Glass Breakage
Ford Ford
Battery Cable Corrosion
Fuel level gauge system failure
Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure
Chrysler Chrysler
Fontaine Ultra LT 5th Wheel False Latch
Freightliner Freightliner
Transmission Intermediate Driveshaft
KIA Sorento
Front suspension control arm failure
Subaru Forester
Outer Tie Rod Failure
Chrysler Chrysler
Haldex Brake Chamber Spring Failures
Caterpillar C7 Hose Leak
Fuel Tank Straps Fail due to Corrosion
Hybrid inverter failure - vehicle stall
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Frame/Body Structure Corrosion
Nissan Pathfinder
Wheel Stud Fracture
Ford Fusion
Fuel Leak
RPM's surging during pump mode
Brake lamp switch failure.
Hitch Receiver Fracture
Engine Cooling Fan Fracture
Driver's Master Power Window Switch
Honda Honda
Transmission Shift Cable Detachment
Failing 5th wheel attachment bolts
Mack Cxu612
Motorcycle coolant leak...radiator
Fuel leak at pump/tank interface
Motorcycle Stalling
Hydraulic Auxiliary Pump Fitting Failure
Wheel Separation (Broken Studs)
Python Lift - Inadvertent Operation
Loss of Power Steering Assist
BMW BMW
Low Beam Headlights
Honda Honda
Fuel Tank Strap Corrosion/Rust
Steering Shaft Separation
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.