Investigations
REAR SUSPENSION OVERLOAD
NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA87003 - closed, opened 1986-11-14 and involving the TOYOTA TOYOTA.
NHTSA investigation EA87003 is a Engineering Analysis opened on 1986-11-14 and currently closed. The subject of record is TOYOTA TOYOTA, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for TOYOTA. 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 EA87003 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: THE SUBJECT MICRO-MINIMOTORHOMES ARE BUILT ON 1984-1986 MODEL TOYOTA MINI TRUCK CHASSIS VEHICLES.THE FRAME RAILS ARE EXTENDED 23 INCHES. COACHMEN REMOVES THE SINGLE OEMREAR WHEEL..." 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 TOYOTA 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: THE SUBJECT MICRO-MINIMOTORHOMES ARE BUILT ON 1984-1986 MODEL TOYOTA MINI TRUCK CHASSIS VEHICLES.THE FRAME RAILS ARE EXTENDED 23 INCHES. COACHMEN REMOVES THE SINGLE OEMREAR WHEEL AND INSTALLS A "BIG WHEEL DUALS" DUAL WHEEL ASSEMBLY USING THEORIGINAL LUGNUTS. COACHMEN ESTABLISHES THE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATINGOF THE VEHICLES AT 6,000 POUNDS (400 POUNDS MORE THAN TOYOTA) AND THEVEHICLES HAVE A CURB WEIGHT OF 4,671-4,740 POUNDS DEPENDING ON THE MODEL.THE VEHICLES ARE DESIGNED TO SEAT 5 TO 7 ADULTS.ANALYSIS: THE VEHICLES ARE MANUFACTURED WITH LITTLE OR NO LOAD CAPACITYFOR VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND LUGGAGE, ONCE THE FACTORY INSTALLED EQUIPMENTIS INSTALLED AND TANKS ARE FILLED TO CAPACITY (EXCEPT WASTE TANKS).STATUS: A RECALL REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT 2/5/87. BY LETTER DATED 2/24/87COACHMEN INDUSTRIES DECLINED TO RECALL. DEFECT REVIEW PANEL MEETING HELDON 4/27/87. CLOSED THIS EA AND OPENED INVESTIGATIVE CASE C87-001-013.===
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 TOYOTA Investigations
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
Electrical problems / No-start
Joyson Passenger Side Air Bag Cushion
Battery Hold Down Bracket Thermal Events
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
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.