Investigations
HUMMER H2 STEERING KNUCKLE FAILURES
NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA05017 — closed, opened 2005-10-28 and involving the HUMMER H2.
NHTSA investigation EA05017 is a Engineering Analysis opened on 2005-10-28 and currently closed. The subject of record is HUMMER H2, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for HUMMER. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2007-04-30 — 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 EA05017 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: "ODI UPGRADED THIS INVESTIGATION AT THE CONCLUSION OF PE04-080. THE ALLEGED DEFECT INVOLVES THE FAILURE OF THE STEERING KNUCKLE AT THE LOWER BALL JOINT BOSS, RESULTING IN A SEPARATION OF THE LOWER BALL JOINT FROM THE KNUC..." 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 HUMMER files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
ODI UPGRADED THIS INVESTIGATION AT THE CONCLUSION OF PE04-080. THE ALLEGED DEFECT INVOLVES THE FAILURE OF THE STEERING KNUCKLE AT THE LOWER BALL JOINT BOSS, RESULTING IN A SEPARATION OF THE LOWER BALL JOINT FROM THE KNUCKLE. A LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATION COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING AND/OR A DISABLED VEHICLE. IT APPEARS THAT THE FRACTURES OF H2 STEERING KNUCKLES CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO WHEEL/TIRE COLLISION FORCES BEING TRANSFERRED DIRECTLY TO THE STEERING KNUCKLE. THE ORIGINAL KNUCKLE DESIGN APPEARS TO BE SUFFICIENT FOR THE H2 APPLICATION. EVIDENCE FROM INSPECTED VEHICLES, PHOTOGRAPHS, POLICE REPORTS AND EDR DATA INDICATES COLLISION IMPACT EVENTS PLACED STRESS ON THE STEERING KNUCKLE CAUSING IT TO FRACTURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS WITH REGARD TO THE SUBJECT COMPONENT. THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION ON THIS ISSUE IF WARRANTED.
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 HUMMER Investigations
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.