Investigations
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NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA86009 - closed, opened 1986-03-10 and involving the CHEVROLET CHEVROLET.
NHTSA investigation EA86009 is a Engineering Analysis opened on 1986-03-10 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 1987-10-01 - 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 EA86009 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 OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER: TIFFIN USES THE CHEVROLET ASTRO MINI VAN FOR 21 FOOT MICRO-MINI ALLEGRO MOTORHOME. TIFFIN REPLACES THE REAR AXLE OF THE STOCK ASTRO WITH A CHEVROLET C-10 LIGHT TRUCK REAR AXLE AS..." 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.
Investigation Summary
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER: TIFFIN USES THE CHEVROLET ASTRO MINI VAN FOR 21 FOOT MICRO-MINI ALLEGRO MOTORHOME. TIFFIN REPLACES THE REAR AXLE OF THE STOCK ASTRO WITH A CHEVROLET C-10 LIGHT TRUCK REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY TO INCREASE ITS WEIGHT RATING TO 7,000 POUNDS. (ASTRO HAS A 5,600 POUND GVWR).ANALYSIS: THE ALLEGRO IS FABRICATED WITHOUT DURABILITY OR COMPLETE BRAKE TESTING. TIFFIN LOADS A STACK OF 4'X8' PLYWOOD SHEETS ON THE ALLEGRO CHASSIS REAR FRAME RAILS FOR A FEW HOURS TO CHECK FOR SAG. IF NO PERMANENT SET IS FOUND THE VEHICLE IS DEEMED SATISFACTORY AT 7,000 POUNDS GVWR.STATUS: CLOSING MEMO TO (H) 9/9/87.===
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
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Loss of Motive Power due to the Battery Energy Control Module
Electric Vehicle Battery Fires
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
Fuel Line Leak
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.