Federal safety investigators open cases throughout the year, and many stay open for months. A few of the 2026 probes involve very large vehicle populations, from pickups to electric crossovers. Here are eleven models that remain under review by federal regulators as of late October, each tied to an official investigation record.
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1. Ford F-150: Transmission Downshifts
The federal engineering analysis EA26001, opened January 30, 2026, covers 1,270,970 Ford F-150 pickups from 2015 through 2017 with the 6R80 transmission, as laid out in the agency’s investigation summary. It follows 329 complaints of unexpected downshifts.
An engineering analysis is a later stage than a preliminary evaluation, and it can lead to a recall request. An investigation is not a finding of defect, but the size of the population makes this the largest case on this list.
2. Ram ProMaster: Water In The Steering
Preliminary evaluation PE26002, opened March 2, 2026, covers 136,666 Ram ProMaster vans from the 2022 and 2023 model years, according to the NHTSA resume. The concern is a loss of power steering assist caused by water intrusion.
The ProMaster is a full-size cargo and passenger van widely used by delivery fleets and tradespeople. A sudden loss of steering assist makes the vehicle much harder to handle, which is why the agency is examining it.
3. Ford Fiesta: Timing Belt Concerns
The Fiesta from 2014 through 2017 is part of timing-belt engineering analysis EA26004, opened July 31, 2026, covering 135,551 Ford cars with the 1.0L engine, according to the investigation resume. The inquiry looks at how the belts hold up in service.
The 1.0L is a small turbocharged three-cylinder engine, and its belt design is the focus of the case. Owners of affected cars may want to watch for recall notices, since the investigation is still open and could expand.
4. Ford Focus: Shorter Belt Interval
The 2015 through 2018 Focus with the 1.0L engine is in the same 135,551-vehicle timing-belt probe, which prompted Ford to cut its belt interval from 150,000 to 100,000 miles, according to the agency resume. The change came as the case developed.
A shorter service interval is a notable response while the investigation continues. Owners of these cars have a practical reason to check maintenance records and confirm the belt has been replaced on time.
5. Ford EcoSport: Third Model In The Probe
The 2018 through 2021 EcoSport models are included in the timing-belt engineering analysis, as documented in the NHTSA investigation file. The small crossover shares the engine design at the center of the case.
The EcoSport is a subcompact SUV that Ford has since discontinued in North America. Even after production ends, vehicles remain on the road for years, which is why the agency keeps examining them and why owners should watch for notices.
6. Ford Maverick: Braking Petition
A defect petition on intermittent loss of braking in the 2024 Maverick Hybrid was opened August 24, 2026, as DP26007, according to Ford Authority’s coverage. It is among several open Ford matters.
The Maverick is a compact pickup that has been popular with first-time truck buyers. A petition is a request from the public for the agency to look into a problem, so this case is at an earlier stage than most.
7. Tesla Model 3: Suspension Link Complaints
The 2018 through 2020 Tesla Model 3 is included in the same lower-lateral-link probe, which cites 156 complaints, as electrive’s report explains. The investigation covers a suspension part that can affect handling.
The Model 3 is one of the most common electric cars on American roads, which makes any defect inquiry significant. The case remains open and does not by itself establish that a defect exists, but the complaints are what opened the probe.
8. Rivian R1T: Toe Link Separation
NHTSA is probing 114,922 Rivian R1S and R1T vehicles after reports that a rear toe link can separate and make the truck swerve across lanes, according to the Claims Journal report. The R1T pickup is one of the two models affected.
A toe link helps keep the rear wheels aligned. A failure while driving can lead to a sudden loss of control, which explains the focus on the part, and the probe covers both the R1S SUV and the R1T pickup.
9. Honda Prologue: GM-Built Honda
The GM-built Honda Prologue is among the vehicles in the eBoost brake probe EA26006, according to the NHTSA investigation resume. The case reaches beyond General Motors’ own badges.
Honda sells the Prologue as its own electric crossover, but General Motors builds it on a shared platform. That is why a General Motors brake issue also reaches a Honda product, and why owners of either brand should follow the case. Owners are advised to follow official recall notices as the investigation proceeds.
10. Cadillac Lyriq: Brake Assist Failures
Brake-module probe EA26006, opened August 21, 2026, covers about 1,164,820 vehicles, starting with loss of brake assist in 2023 Cadillac Lyriq models, according to the agency’s investigation resume. The module involved is a key part of the braking system.
The Lyriq was the first of Cadillac’s mainstream electric vehicles, so the case reaches one of its signature products. Loss of brake assist makes the pedal much harder to press, a significant safety issue.
11. Chevrolet Traverse: Large GM Case
The Chevrolet Traverse is named among the 2023 through 2026 General Motors models in the eBoost brake probe, which tallies 745 incidents and 21 crashes, according to GM Authority’s coverage. The family crossover is the most mainstream model in the case.
The Traverse is a three-row crossover sold in large numbers to families. The incident and crash counts are what the agency cites for the inquiry, and the case remains active while investigators gather more data.
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