Investigations
DRIVERS SIDE DASH FIRE
NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA03025 — closed, opened 2003-11-25 and involving the AUDI AUDI.
NHTSA investigation EA03025 is a Engineering Analysis opened on 2003-11-25 and currently closed. The subject of record is AUDI AUDI, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for AUDI. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2004-05-07 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
An Engineering Analysis like EA03025 is the deeper technical phase that follows a PE. NHTSA requests design, warranty, and field-failure data from the manufacturer, conducts its own testing when needed, and determines whether the evidence supports a safety defect finding that would compel a recall.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A KNEE BOLSTER LOCATED UNDER THE DASH, NEAR THE DRIVERS KNEES. A WIRING HARNESS IS ALSO LOCATED IN THE DASH, IN THAT SAME AREA. AUDI'S ANALYSIS OF 39 VEHICLES INDICATED THAT THE KNE..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related AUDI files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A KNEE BOLSTER LOCATED UNDER THE DASH, NEAR THE DRIVERS KNEES. A WIRING HARNESS IS ALSO LOCATED IN THE DASH, IN THAT SAME AREA. AUDI'S ANALYSIS OF 39 VEHICLES INDICATED THAT THE KNEE BOLSTER WAS RUBBING AGAINST THAT WIRING HARNESS. OVER TIME THE HARNESS SHEATHING WEARS AWAY AND THE WIRES COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE METAL KNEE BOLSTER, RESULTING IN A FIRE. AUDI WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON AN EXPANDED SCOPE OF AUDI A6 VEHICLES, TO ADD A PLASTIC CAP TO THE TOP OF THE KNEE BOLSTER BRACKET, WHICH WILL PREVENT ABRASION TO THE WIRING HARNESS. AUDI WILL RECALL 186,000 MY 1998-2004 AUDI A6 VEHICLES. ODI IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 24 WARRANTY, FIELD AND CONSUMER REPORTS FOR THESE VEHICLES. THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA NUMBER 04V-133.
About This Investigation Type
An Engineering Analysis (EA) is the in-depth phase following a Preliminary Evaluation. NHTSA engineers conduct testing, collect data from manufacturers, and perform detailed technical analysis to determine whether a safety defect exists. An EA may lead to a voluntary recall by the manufacturer or, in rare cases, a mandatory recall order.
Other AUDI Investigations
Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE
STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE
DRIVERS SIDE DASHBOARD FIRE
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.