Investigations
Loss of Emergency Power & Accessories
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE12037 - closed, opened 2012-12-07.
NHTSA investigation PE12037 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2012-12-07 and currently closed. The subject is tracked inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2013-06-06 - 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 PE12037 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: "On December 7, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) on 2008 Model Year (MY) Road Rescue EV Ambulances. The PE was opened to determine whether a loss of emergency power and 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
On December 7, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) on 2008 Model Year (MY) Road Rescue EV Ambulances. The PE was opened to determine whether a loss of emergency power and accessories to the patient cab area creates an unreasonable risk to patients or emergency personnel. By letter dated May 17, 2013, Wheeled Coach Industries, Inc. notified ODI that it had initiated a safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. 13V-213) to address a safety defect in the vehicles subject to this investigation. According to Wheeled Coach, a failure of the master power disconnect switch can occur, which terminates flow of 12vDC electrical service to the ambulance patient cab. Failure of the programming in the primary multiplex node can affect portions of 12vDC electrical service, including a complete loss of power to the ambulance patient cab. In the event of a failure, the accessory electrical functions such as siren, warning lights and interior patient compartment lights may be intermittent or fail to operate. Wheeled Coach has informed ODI that the chassis function and drivability are not affected. Wheeled Coach's recall action addresses the issues raised by this investigation and, as a result, 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.