Investigations
FUEL LEAKAGE
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE04029 - closed, opened 2004-03-15 and involving the INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL.
NHTSA investigation PE04029 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2004-03-15 and currently closed. The subject of record is INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for INTERNATIONAL. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2004-05-07 - NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Preliminary Evaluation like PE04029 is the entry point of the federal defect-investigation process. NHTSA engineers scan complaint databases, field reports, and manufacturer data to decide whether an Engineering Analysis is warranted, whether a voluntary recall is already sufficient, or whether the pattern does not rise to a defect finding.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "IN LATE MAY 2003, FOUR WINDS INTERNATIONAL NOTIFIED OWNERS OF CERTAIN CLASS ¿C¿ MOTORHOMES TO NOT OPERATE THEIR AUXILLARY GENRATOR WHILE THE VEHICLE¿S ENGINE WAS RUNNING DUE TO AN EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE PROBLEM. THE BUL..." 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 INTERNATIONAL files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
IN LATE MAY 2003, FOUR WINDS INTERNATIONAL NOTIFIED OWNERS OF CERTAIN CLASS ¿C¿ MOTORHOMES TO NOT OPERATE THEIR AUXILLARY GENRATOR WHILE THE VEHICLE¿S ENGINE WAS RUNNING DUE TO AN EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE PROBLEM. THE BULLETIN ADDRESSED THE POSSIBILITY OF ENGINE FLOODING AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK. ODI WAS CONCERNED WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF A VEHICLE FIRE CAUSED BY THE FUEL LEAKAGE. FOUR WINDS HAS AGREED TO SUPERCEDE THE PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN WITH A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN. THEY WILL REROUTE THE FUEL LINES AND INSTALL A FUEL REGULATOR ON ALL THE AFFECTED MOTOR HOMES. THIS ACTION RESOLVES THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION. A COPY OF THE RECALL IS ATTACHED. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
About This Investigation Type
A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first phase of NHTSA's investigation process. It is opened when the agency identifies a potential safety defect pattern, usually triggered by consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, or field monitoring. During a PE, NHTSA gathers information to determine whether a formal engineering analysis is warranted.
Other INTERNATIONAL Investigations
International Autos, Inc. / Mini Recall
Software security vulnerability
Software security vulnerability
Headlight failures/fires
Brake S-Cam Tube Bracket Failure
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.