Investigations
Front spindle failure
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE14002 — closed, opened 2014-01-30 and involving the EAGLE EAGLE.
NHTSA investigation PE14002 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2014-01-30 and currently closed. The subject of record is EAGLE EAGLE, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for EAGLE. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2014-12-23 — 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 PE14002 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 January 30th 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-002 based on Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire (VOQ) No. 10554304 alleging that the front wheel completely separated on a model year 2008 American La..." 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 EAGLE files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
On January 30th 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-002 based on Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire (VOQ) No. 10554304 alleging that the front wheel completely separated on a model year 2008 American LaFrance Eagle aerial-ladder fire truck. During this investigation, ODI sent American LaFrance an Information Request (IR) letter seeking further information. After sending the IR, ODI learned that under direction from its owner Patriarch Partners LLC, American LaFrance had ceased operation and closed its manufacturing facilities. Subsequent communications with Patriarch Partners revealed that the records necessary to respond to ODI's IR could not be obtained. As a result of this information not being available, ODI was not able to conduct a complete investigation or locate the owners of existing vehicles. In an effort to notify owners of the vehicles about the potential safety issue, ODI released a consumer alert. This alert was distributed to the Emergency Responder community via the firstresponder.gov web site. Copies of both the alert and website where it was published can be found in the public file for this investigation. Information will continue to be collected from any operators who contact ODI who will be advised of the risks and how best to prevent future failures. Due to the inability to locate production, owner, and failure or warranty data, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves the right to take further action if additional data becomes available.
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 EAGLE Investigations
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.