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.
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
Ford Pickup
Air Bag Clockspring Wiring Failure
Brake Power Assist Failure
Chrysler Chrysler
Rollover Side Curtain Air Bags
Chevrolet Chevrolet
5th Wheel malfunction
Lower ball joint separation
Mazda Mazda
False Positive Automated Braking
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Wheel Separation
Ford Ford
Front Coil Spring Fracture
Nissan Nissan
Emergency Exit Obstruction
Post 14V-391 Headliner Fires
Chrysler Chrysler
Safety Act Violations
Front brake hose failure
Ford Explorer
Front wheel failure
Inconsistent Throttle Control
Honda Gl1800
Inconsistent Throttle Response
Convertible Top Back Glass Separation
Chrysler Crossfire Roadster
Accelerator Pedal Fails to Return
Passenger Front Air Bag Suppression
Subaru Impreza
Entry Step Failures
Loss of power steering while driving
Ford Escape
Pedal Operation Interference
Nissan Versa Note
Loss of headlamp/exterior lighting
Mercury Grand Marquis
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Volkswagen Volkswagen
Extended Stopping Distance
Mitsubishi Mitsubishi
The fuel pump module may overheat
Wheelchair lift platform failure
Occupant Classification System Failure
Infiniti Infiniti
Engine Thermostat Heater Hose Failure
Exhaust System Raincap May Detatch
Hercules All Trac A/T tires
Front suspension ball joint failure
Door Latch Failure
Lincoln Lincoln
CNG Fuel Container Burst During A Fire
Lincoln Lincoln
Loss of Windshield Wiper Function
LCI RV Entry Step Failures
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Seat Belt Buckle Inoperative
Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
Ford Pickup
Loss of air due to cracked wheel rim
Engine compartment fire
Chrysler Chrysler
Improper Frontal Air Bag Deployment
Infiniti Infiniti
Fluid Tank Mounting Bracket Failure
Loss of Instrument Cluster Functions
Fuel Filter May Separate
Wheelchair Lift Platform Cracking
Steering column separation
Infiniti Infiniti
Electric Power Steering Failure
Honda Accord
Honda EWR Reporting
Honda Honda
Motorcycle Stalling
Honda Cbr250r
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.