CLEVELAND -- A 5 On Your Side investigation was the first to uncover a potential safety defect in thousands of U.S. cars.

The nation's top auto safety agency is taking action.

Investigation

Investigator Ron Regan reported the Department of Transportation has opened an official defect investigation into the Pontiac GTO.

This action comes just one week after our report first aired.

The investigation found that the tires suddenly exploded on a Cleveland freeway. WEWS found the front struts on the GTO could be actually rubbing against the inside of the tires, causing catastrophic failure on model years 2004-2006.

A defect investigation has been opened by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

General Motors will be required to turn over complaints and warranty repairs.

The process will take about three months to complete. If warranted, a complete engineering analysis will be ordered.

So far, 69 complaints have been officially received.

Regan reported that number is expected to rise.