About Defect Investigations
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and its Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) are responsible for investigating potential vehicle safety defects.
The investigation process covers a variety of aspects from an initial collecting and analysis of data to an evaluation, whether a defect presents an unreasonable risk motor vehicle safety or not. This process can be divided into three main phases:
1. Preliminary Evaluation (PE) – to screen the problems quickly,
2. Engineering Analysis (EA) – to determine the character and scope of the defect,
3. Formal Investigation (Case) – the final defect determination.
During each phase, the ODI decides if it is necessary to take further action and upgrade the investigation to the next phase.
As a part of this process, most recalls are initiated voluntary by the manufacturer. In some cases, a recall will be mandated by the NHTSA or the case closed without further action.
Current Investigations
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At least 200 consumer complaints of non-collision fires have been submitted to NHTSA regarding the 2011-2014 Kia Optima, Kia Sorento, Kia Soul, Hyundai Sonata, and Hyundai Santa Fe and an additional 200+ complaints of melted wires in the engine bay, smoke, and burning odors. These complaints reveal a frighteningly large number of vehicles manufactured at the same time catching fire. Altogether, over 2.2 million of these vehicles were manufactured during model years 2011-2014. NHTSA has granted the Center’s petition to open an investigation. Learn more.[/lgc_column]
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The Center has petitioned NHTSA to investigate 2017-18 Nissan Rogues based on reports of false activation of the Automatic Emergency Braking system in these vehicles. Nissan has attempted to address this defect by issuing a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) to dealers, but with no guarantee that owners are notified of a safety hazard or provided an opportunity to have the condition repaired. Moreover, the services currently being offered to Nissan owners are only covered under the warranty for a limited time, rather than the far longer protection provided by a recall. Learn more.
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General News
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Goodyear’s 20-Year Quest To Keep Details Secret Cleveland Scene. March 21, 2018. [/lgc_column]
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Shutdown Would Force NHTSA To Stop Vehicle Investigations. The Detroit News. September 30, 2013. [/lgc_column]
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Feds investigate Ford Explorer SUV after owners say it’s making them sick. USA Today. January 25, 2018. [/lgc_column]
Manufacturer News
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Markey, Blumenthal Blast New Revelation Of Fiat Chrysler Early Warning Reporting System Failure. Offices of Markey & Blumenthal. September 29, 2015. [/lgc_column]
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Hyundai Sonata, Kia Forte Under Investigation for Potential Airbag Defect. Consumer Reports March 19, 2018. [/lgc_column]
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GM Deems Steering Issue Unworthy of Recall. The New York Times. April 10, 2015. [/lgc_column]
READ MORE in our Investigations Archive.
READ MORE in our Landmark Documents Archive.