Investigations
Stop Lamps Intermittent
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE10007 - closed, opened 2010-02-03.
NHTSA investigation PE10007 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2010-02-03 and currently closed. The subject is tracked inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2010-05-23 - 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 PE10007 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: "This investigation was opened after ODI was contacted by a fleet alleging that in certain situations, such as a "light" brake peal application during a low speed operation, the brake lamps fail to illuminate on the rear..." 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.
Investigation Summary
This investigation was opened after ODI was contacted by a fleet alleging that in certain situations, such as a "light" brake peal application during a low speed operation, the brake lamps fail to illuminate on the rear of the bus. ODI confirmed the problem with two fleets. On April 29, 2010, Daimler filed a defect report concerning this issue. The stop lamps may be intermittent during light brake applications. They are still evaluating the remedial program and will furnish this information to ODI when it is available. This safety recall resolves the issue raised by this investigation. Hence, 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.
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.