Investigations
Caterpillar C7 Hose Leak
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE11008 - closed, opened 2011-03-29.
NHTSA investigation PE11008 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 2012-01-30 - 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 PE11008 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: "The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received 1 fleet complaint (involving 8 incidents on 6 vehicles) alleging that the Clean Gas Induction (CGI) coolant lines on affected vehicles had developed leaks resulting in a..." 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
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received 1 fleet complaint (involving 8 incidents on 6 vehicles) alleging that the Clean Gas Induction (CGI) coolant lines on affected vehicles had developed leaks resulting in a vehicle stall. Caterpillar conducted system testing and determined that coolant in the subject engines may become increasingly acidic over time, which may result in damage to the inner walls of the coolant hoses. In at least four (4) cases this has resulted in stranded school buses due to coolant loss. Caterpillar (CAT) submitted a recall notice on December 2, 2011. CAT's announcement of a safety recall on this matter addresses ODI's concerns. Coolant will be checked and changed more frequently to prevent in-field pH degradation and coolant hoses damaged from this issue will be replaced under warranty. The subject vehicles have been recalled, therefore this investigation is closed. The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) number: 10446420
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.