Investigations
Haldex Brake Chamber Spring Failures
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE11007 - closed, opened 2011-03-29.
NHTSA investigation PE11007 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2011-03-29 and currently closed. The subject is tracked inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2011-09-23 - 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 PE11007 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 opened this preliminary evaluation based on a fleet report that it had experienced multiple wheel-end fires. The fleet believed this was due to the power spring fracturing and subsequently puncturing the diaphragm re..." 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
ODI opened this preliminary evaluation based on a fleet report that it had experienced multiple wheel-end fires. The fleet believed this was due to the power spring fracturing and subsequently puncturing the diaphragm resulting in an air loss causing the brakes to drag. A vehicle driver suffered smoke inhalation during one of the fires suspected to have been caused by the alleged defect. Another injury was sustained by a mechanic when he attempted to remove the brake chamber with a broken power spring. The brake chamber sprung from its mounting bracket and struck the mechanic in the face, causing multiple lacerations. Brake chambers have a limited life span and are subject to wear out. However, the failures identified by the fleet are much earlier than expected and may not exhibit discernible failure symptoms. ODI initiated testing at the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) to determine the cause of the spring failure and to better understand any warning signs that may be present. VRTC's testing is ongoing as is Haldex's inspection of failed chambers returned from the fleet. This PE has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA11-011) to further evaluate the cause of the fires and assess the scope, frequency, and safety consequences of the alleged defect.
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.