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.
Momentary increase in steering effort after recall remedy
Mazda Mazda
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
Recall 23V-413 Post Remedy Failures
Chrysler Chrysler
Loss of rear-view camera image
Polestar Polestar 2
Post Recall Remedy Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Failure
RAM 1500
Recall 19V-293 Post Remedy Failures
Chrysler Chrysler
Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 22V887
Seat Belt Retractor Pretensioner Inadvertent Deployment
Ford Expedition
Loss of Motive Power
Ford Bronco Sport
Engine failure
Honda Honda
Loss of Motive Power
Jeep Wrangler 4XE
Rear-View Camera Failure
Honda Ridgeline
Inadvertent Door Opening
Volkswagen Volkswagen
Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness
Tesla
2022-2023 Pratt Container Chassis Trailers
Underhood fires caused by fuel leak
Ford Bronco Sport
Front Seat Belt Assemblies may be Missing the Rivet that Secures the Quick Connector and Wire Plate
Honda Accord Hybrid
Unintended Transmission Downshift
Ford F-150
Loss of Power Brake/Steering Assist Post Recall 22V089 Inspection.
Ford E-350
Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.
Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid
High Voltage Coolant Heater Delamination
Lucid AIR
Ignition-off high voltage battery fire (Remedy effectiveness of Recall 22V-077)
Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
Volkswagen Volkswagen
Loss of Motive Power
Ford Focus
Vehicle Rollaway
KIA Soul EV
High Voltage Battery Contactor Failure
Ford Mustang
Intermittent/Comp Loss of Power Steering
Chrysler Chrysler
Rear Axle Bolt Failure
Ford Explorer
Certification, Recall Scope, Timeliness
Windshield Wiper Failure
Hyundai Palisade
Seat Belt Pretensioners May Rupture
Hyundai Hyundai
Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures
Lincoln Lincoln
Stall from Crankshaft\Camshaft Failure
Chrysler Chrysler
Recall 22E-016
Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance
Lincoln Nautilus
Power Tailgate Release Systems
Ford Ford
SAM Cab Water Intrusion
Door Latch Failures
Lincoln Lincoln
Fuel Tank Flange Leak
Land Rover Rover
Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
Chevrolet Chevrolet
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
Mitsubishi Mitsubishi
Loss of Power Steering Assist
Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure
Chevrolet Chevrolet
Idler Pulley Bolt Failure
BMW BMW
Unexpected Transmission Downshift
Ford Expedition
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
Exhaust Bellows Pipe Fracture Recall
RQ17 - 008 Closing
Freightliner Freightliner
Step rivets may shear
Door Latch Open While Driving
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.