Investigations

REAR SUSPENSION

NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA84035 - closed, opened 1984-09-27 and involving the CHEVROLET CHEVROLET.

EA84035 Engineering Analysis Closed

Vehicle: CHEVROLET CHEVROLET View model page

NHTSA investigation EA84035 is a Engineering Analysis opened on 1984-09-27 and currently closed. The subject of record is CHEVROLET CHEVROLET, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for CHEVROLET. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 1987-04-27 - 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 EA84035 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: "SUMMARY: NATIONAL (FORMERLY DOLPHIN) IS THE LARGEST MICRO-MINI MOTORHOME MANUFACTURER. SINCE 1980 ALL THEIR VEHICLES HAVE BEEN 20 FT OR GREATER, REQUIRING EXTENDED FRAMES AND AFTERMARKET DUAL REAR WHEEL CONVERSIONS. NATI..." 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 CHEVROLET files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.

Status
Closed
Type
Engineering Analysis
Opened
1984-09-27
Latest Activity
1987-04-27

Investigation Summary

SUMMARY: NATIONAL (FORMERLY DOLPHIN) IS THE LARGEST MICRO-MINI MOTORHOME MANUFACTURER. SINCE 1980 ALL THEIR VEHICLES HAVE BEEN 20 FT OR GREATER, REQUIRING EXTENDED FRAMES AND AFTERMARKET DUAL REAR WHEEL CONVERSIONS. NATIONAL HAS BUILT ON TOYOTA, NISSAN AND CHEVROLET MINI TRUCK CHASSIS. NATIONAL HAS UPGRADED THE GVWR OF THEIR UNITS AFTER CONDUCTING COME FMVSS 105 BRAKE COMPLIANCE TESTS.ANALYSIS: RECEIPT OF FAILURE REPORTS INDICATES THAT NATIONAL'S RELIANCE ON THE BRAKE COMPLIANCE TESTING IS NOT SUFFICIENT AND THAT THE VEHICLES ARE OVERLOADED.STATUS: DEFECT REVIEW PANEL HELD ON 4/27/87. CLOSED THIS EA AND OPENED INVESTIGATIVE CASE C87-001-001.======

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 CHEVROLET 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. about how PlainCars sources NHTSA data.