Investigations
SEPARATION
NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA85035 — closed, opened 1985-07-29 and involving the MINI.
Vehicle: MINI
NHTSA investigation EA85035 is a Engineering Analysis opened on 1985-07-29 and currently closed. The subject of record is MINI, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for MINI. 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 EA85035 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: THE ARROWCRAFT DUAL WHEEL CONVERSION CONSISTS OF A SERIES OF SMALL PIPES WELDED TO A LARGE DIAMETER PIPE TO REPRODUCE A THE OEM WHEEL BOLT CIRCLE. THE SECOND WHEEL IS ATTACHED OUTBOARD OF THE FIRST WHEEL. THIS M..." 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 MINI files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
SUMMARY: THE ARROWCRAFT DUAL WHEEL CONVERSION CONSISTS OF A SERIES OF SMALL PIPES WELDED TO A LARGE DIAMETER PIPE TO REPRODUCE A THE OEM WHEEL BOLT CIRCLE. THE SECOND WHEEL IS ATTACHED OUTBOARD OF THE FIRST WHEEL. THIS METHOD CAUSES A SEVERE BENDING MOMENT TO BE APPLIED TO THE INNER WHEEL ATTACHMENT AND THE AXLE BEARINGS.ANALYSIS: THE ARROWCRAFT DUAL WHEEL ADAPTER WAS USED BY THE MICRO- MINI MOTORHOME MANUFACTURERS PRIMARILY BEFORE 1982. THEIR ADAPTER WAS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE ONE PIECE, DUAL TIRED RIM ASSEMBLY.STATUS: ARROWCRAFT HAS FAILED TO CONDUCT A RECALL AS DESCRIBED BY THE COMPANY PRESIDENT. A PANEL MEETING WAS HELD ON APRIL 27, 1987, CONCERNING ARROWCRAFT DWA'S. IT WAS AGREED THAT A FORMAL INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER SHOULD BE INITIATED. THE CASE NUMBER IS C87-002.===
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 MINI Investigations
Engine compartment fire
Loss of power steering assist
EXHAUST PIPE BURNS
EXHAUST PIPE BURNS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT 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.