Vehicle defect investigations

When owner complaints, crash reports or a petition point to a possible safety defect, NHTSA opens an investigation; some end in a recall. Newest first; 110 listed here are still open. An investigation is not a recall: check your VIN for recalls that apply to your car.

• NHTSA reviews defect petition on 2012–2023 Tesla Model 3 and 3 other models: Sudden Unintended Acceleration
  DP23002Defect PetitionOpened June 29, 2023OpenVehicle Speed Control
• NHTSA opens recall query into Hitachi Cable America Nylon Brake Hose Assembly and PVC Brake Hose Assembly: Certification, Recall Scope, Timeliness
  RQ23001Recall QueryOpened March 22, 2023Open
• NHTSA opens engineering analysis of 2014–2022 BMW, Bosch and 2 other makes’ vehicles: High pressure fuel pump failure
  EA23001Engineering AnalysisOpened March 17, 2023OpenFuel System, Diesel: Delivery: Fuel Pump
• NHTSA opens audit query into 2018–2022 Ford and Nissan vehicles: Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls
  AQ22003Audit QueryOpened December 16, 2022OpenLatches/Locks/Linkages: Hood: Latch
• NHTSA opens audit query into 2021 Ford Escape: Healey Brothers Ford / Open Recall Sale
  AQ22002Audit QueryOpened June 3, 2022OpenFuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump: Control/Drive Module
• NHTSA opens engineering analysis of 2001–2020 Acura, BMW and 23 other makes’ vehicles: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  EA21002Engineering AnalysisOpened September 17, 2021OpenAir Bags: Frontal: Driver Side: Inflator Module; Air Bags: Frontal: Passenger Side: Inflator Module
• NHTSA opens recall query into 2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles: Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance
  RQ21002Recall QueryOpened August 3, 2021OpenBack Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
• NHTSA opens probe into 2010–2015 Ferrari 458 and 4 other models: Fuel Loss from Filler Neck
  PE21012Preliminary EvaluationOpened May 17, 2021OpenFuel System, Gasoline: Storage: Tank Assembly: Filler Pipe and Cap
• NHTSA opens audit query into Uppababy Other: Failure to report under 49 CFR Part 579
  AQ21001Audit QueryOpened February 23, 2021OpenChild Seat
• NHTSA opens probe into 2017–2019 Nissan Rogue: False Automatic Emergency Braking
  PE19010Preliminary EvaluationOpened September 9, 2019OpenForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
• NHTSA opens audit query into 2015 Chevrolet Express: Sale of noncompliant school bus
  AQ18006Audit QueryOpened December 1, 2018OpenSeats
• NHTSA opens engineering analysis of 2009–2016 Volkswagen CC and 9 other models: Air Bag Clockspring Failure
  EA18003Engineering AnalysisOpened April 18, 2018OpenAir Bags: Frontal: Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette
• NHTSA opens engineering analysis of ARC AIR BAG Inflator Hybrid Compact ADH: Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  EA16003Engineering AnalysisOpened August 4, 2016OpenAir Bags: Frontal: Driver Side: Inflator Module
• NHTSA opens engineering analysis of 2001–2011 Acura, BMW and 14 other makes’ vehicles: Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  EA15001Engineering AnalysisOpened February 24, 2015OpenAir Bags: Frontal
• NHTSA opens engineering analysis of 2004–2006 Dodge Dakota and Durango: STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING SHAFT BOLTS
  EA06004Engineering AnalysisOpened March 9, 2006OpenSteering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar; Steering: Column
• NHTSA investigation into 2000 Brake Parts MC390275 and MC390337: INCORRECTLY MOLDED MASTER FLOAT CHAMBER
  SQ00010InvestigationOpened June 8, 2000OpenService Brakes, Hydraulic
• NHTSA reviews defect petition on 1993–1997 Chevrolet and GMC vehicles: OEM HITCH RECEIVER PLATFORM CRACKING
  DP00001Defect PetitionOpened January 31, 2000OpenEquipment
• NHTSA investigation into 1999 Excelsior-Henderson HCX-Super X: FUEL PUMP CAMPAIGN
  SQ99024InvestigationOpened October 27, 1999OpenVehicle Speed Control: Linkages
• NHTSA investigation into 1999 Victory V92C: REAR SPROCKET BOLTS
  SQ99022InvestigationOpened October 13, 1999OpenPower Train
• NHTSA opens recall query into 1999 BMW M3: INADVERTANT SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
  RQ99018Recall QueryOpened September 3, 1999OpenAir Bags: Side/Window
• NHTSA opens recall query into 1991–1995 Ford Explorer: LIFTGATE SUPPORT BRACKET FAILURE
  RQ99016Recall QueryOpened July 29, 1999OpenStructure
• NHTSA investigation into 1996–1997 Leisure Freedom: IMPROPER FUNCTIONING OF THE EMER BRAKE
  SQ99019InvestigationOpened June 29, 1999OpenParking Brake
• NHTSA investigation into 1994–1996 Nissan Sentra: CORRISION FATIGUE OF FRONT COIL SPRINGS
  SQ99018InvestigationOpened June 17, 1999OpenSuspension
• NHTSA opens recall query into 1995–1996 Holiday Rambler Aluma Lite: TRAILER INSTABILITY
  RQ99014Recall QueryOpened June 16, 1999OpenStructure
• NHTSA opens recall query into 1997–1998 Freightliner FL-50 and 2 other models: DRIVELINE FASTENER FAILURE
  RQ99009Recall QueryOpened June 1, 1999OpenPower Train
• NHTSA investigation into 1999 Damon Hornet: ELECTRICAL SHORT
  SQ99014InvestigationOpened May 19, 1999OpenElectrical System
• NHTSA investigation into 1998–1999 Damon Challenger and Daybreak: OMITTED EXHAUST HANGER
  SQ99013InvestigationOpened May 19, 1999OpenVisibility: Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
• NHTSA opens recall query into Dodge and Plymouth vehicles: REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT
  RQ99004Recall QueryOpened April 19, 1999OpenStructure: Body: Hatchback/Liftgate: Support Device/Strut
• NHTSA investigation into Western Star Western Star: WINDSHIELD SIPER MOTOR HARNESS WIRES
  SQ99012InvestigationOpened April 15, 1999OpenVisibility
• NHTSA investigation into 1999 Victory V92C: TAILLIGHT WIRING RE-ROUTING
  SQ99010InvestigationOpened April 15, 1999OpenExterior Lighting

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation investigations file, updated daily. Summaries on each page are ODI’s own words.