Investigations
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA85037 — closed, opened 1985-07-31 and involving the AUDI AUDI.
NHTSA investigation EA85037 is a Engineering Analysis opened on 1985-07-31 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 1987-12-23 — 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 EA85037 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: AUDI IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN (86V-103)TO PREVENT FIRES WHICH HAVE STARTED WHILE THE DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TOSTART THE ENGINE. THE RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE 1984 MODELS.ANALYSIS: THE RECALL CAMPAIGN..." 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
SUMMARY: AUDI IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN (86V-103)TO PREVENT FIRES WHICH HAVE STARTED WHILE THE DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TOSTART THE ENGINE. THE RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE 1984 MODELS.ANALYSIS: THE RECALL CAMPAIGN APPEARS TO RESOLVE THE MAJOR CAUSE OF FIRESIN THE 1985 MODELS BUT DOES NOT ADDRESS DIFFERENT PROBLEMS WHICH HAVEBEEN REPORTED IN 1984 MODELS. PROBLEMS IN 1984 MODELS APPEAR TO HAVEINVOLVED MOSTLY NEW LOW MILEAGE VEHICLES.STATUS: ANALYZING ADEQUACY OF RECALL. CLOSED DECEMBER 23, 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 AUDI Investigations
Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
Engine Stall - Turbo Failure
STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE
STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE
DRIVERS SIDE DASH 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.