Investigations
REAR AXLE FAILURE
NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA86024 — closed, opened 1986-08-07 and involving the EAGLE EAGLE.
NHTSA investigation EA86024 is a Engineering Analysis opened on 1986-08-07 and currently closed. The subject of record is EAGLE EAGLE, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for EAGLE. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 1987-11-03 — 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 EA86024 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: AMC STATES THAT THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLIES FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE THE SAME FOR ALL 1980-1986 MODELS WITH NO SIGNIFICANT MODIFICATIONS. AMC DOES NOT CONSIDER THE ALLEGED DEFEC..." 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 EAGLE 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: AMC STATES THAT THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLIES FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE THE SAME FOR ALL 1980-1986 MODELS WITH NO SIGNIFICANT MODIFICATIONS. AMC DOES NOT CONSIDER THE ALLEGED DEFECT TO BE ANY PROBLEM.ANALYSIS: A REVIEW OF THE REPORTS INDICATES THAT MOST OF THE FAILURES APPEAR TO OCCUR IN CANADIAN PRODUCED EAGLE STATION WAGONS WITH 20,000 TO 50,000 MILES AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.STATUS: CLOSED 11/3/87===
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 EAGLE 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. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.