Investigations
HVAC Switch Failures
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE09055 — closed, opened 2009-12-07 and involving the FORD E350.
NHTSA investigation PE09055 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2009-12-07 and currently closed. The subject of record is FORD E350, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for FORD. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2010-04-21 — 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 PE09055 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: "ODI has received 1 complaint and reports from 4 transportation fleets alleging 182 switch failures. Each fleet operates mini buses built on a Ford E350 or E450 cutaway chassis. The OEM HVAC blower switches have melted, s..." 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 FORD files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
ODI has received 1 complaint and reports from 4 transportation fleets alleging 182 switch failures. Each fleet operates mini buses built on a Ford E350 or E450 cutaway chassis. The OEM HVAC blower switches have melted, smoked, burned or experienced open flame and become inoperable on vehicles in each fleet. Some drivers have reported a burning smell or smoke coming from the dash. One fleet reported a vehicle fire. No injuries were sustained. However, the bus was carrying special needs children when the driver noticed smoke coming from the dash. The driver was able to evacuate the children prior to the vehicle becoming engulfed in flames. This PE has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA) to determine if the blower motor switch failures create a situation where a vehicle fire is possible and presents a safety risk to the driver and other passengers.
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 FORD Investigations
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Timing Belt Failure
Underbody shields detachment
B-Pillar Trim Detachment
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
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.