Investigations
FLOOR PAN CRACKS
NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA85016 - closed, opened 1985-02-22 and involving the FORD FORD.
NHTSA investigation EA85016 is a Engineering Analysis opened on 1985-02-22 and currently closed. The subject of record is FORD FORD, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for FORD. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 1987-04-14 - 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 EA85016 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: FORD RECOGNIZES THE FLOOR PAN CRACKING PROBLEM AND HAS ISSUED4 SERVICE BULLETINS PERTAINING TO REPAIR. THE LATEST ONE WAS ISSUED ONSEPTEMBER 11, 1986. HOWEVER, FORD DOES NOT BELIEVE THE FLOOR PAN PROBLEMREPRESEN..." 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 FORD files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
SUMMARY: FORD RECOGNIZES THE FLOOR PAN CRACKING PROBLEM AND HAS ISSUED4 SERVICE BULLETINS PERTAINING TO REPAIR. THE LATEST ONE WAS ISSUED ONSEPTEMBER 11, 1986. HOWEVER, FORD DOES NOT BELIEVE THE FLOOR PAN PROBLEMREPRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD.ANALYSIS: FLOOR PAN CRACKING CAUSES THE DRIVER TO ROCK IN HIS SEAT.ALTHOUGH THIS IS VERY ANNOYING, IT APPEARS TO BE MORE OF AN ECONOMIC ISSUETHAN A SAFETY ISSUE. NO ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES HAVE BEEN REPORTED.STATUS: THIS EA WAS CLOSED ON MAY 14, 1987.===
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 FORD Investigations
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Timing Belt Failure
Underbody shields detachment
B-Pillar Trim Detachment
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
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.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.