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 BELT ASSEMBLY DOES NOT FULLY RETRAC
HONDA EXPRESS NC 50
Honda Honda
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
DEFECTIVE AND UNRELIABLE TRANSMISSION
EXCESSIVE REFLECTIVE GLARE
BROKEN SWAY BAR
ELECTRONIC IGNITION FAILURE AND GAS FUME
TIE ROD BREAKAGE
FAULTY BRAKE WARNING LIGHT
POOR ILLUMINATION OF SPEEDOMETER
TRANSMISSION FAILURES
POWER STEERING COLD WEATHER PROBLEMS
CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSED CARPET TO BUR
FAILURE OF RACK AND PINION STEERING BOX
UNSTABLE STEERING AND FISHTAILS
POOR STEERING AND HANDLING
FRONT END VIBRTION, EXCESSIVE STEERING E
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
CARBURETOR,REAR UPPER & LOWER CONTROL AR
WHEEL LUGS/NUTS
CARBURETOR FUEL LEAKAGE
VACUUM BRAKE HOSE FAILURE
FAILURE OF REAR AIR BRAKE SYSTEM
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.