Investigations
Loss of brake warning lights
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE14024 — closed, opened 2014-07-22 and involving the ISUZU N-SERIES.
NHTSA investigation PE14024 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2014-07-22 and currently closed. The subject of record is ISUZU N-SERIES, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for ISUZU. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2015-01-12 — 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 PE14024 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 July 22, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to investigate field reports describing the loss of brake lights in model year (MY) 2013 Isuzu N-series trucks. During..." 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 ISUZU files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
On July 22, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to investigate field reports describing the loss of brake lights in model year (MY) 2013 Isuzu N-series trucks. During the course of this investigation, Isuzu informed ODI that the subject vehicle population consisted of multiple vehicle configurations including a walk-in step van. According to Isuzu, the reported brake lamp failures are associated with a brake lamp switch located near the steering column on these walk-in style vans. Isuzu believes the brake lamp switches in the walk-in vans are susceptible to weather and/or driver foot contact resulting from its open configuration and the drivers seating position. In more severe circumstances, interference with the brake switch can lead to corrosion and/or brake lamp failure. The contact and/or bending of the brake switch can interfere with the electrical contact points. Bending of the brake switch can also result in the plunger sticking or breaking. Either condition can result in a loss of brake warning lamp operation. Based on a warranty analysis conducted by Isuzu, 3,564 N-Series walk-in vans built during (MY) 2012 through 2014 are included in recall 14V-735. The recalled population of vehicles includes the 2,156 walk-in vans subject of this investigations. Based on ODI's review of Isuzu's analysis of warranty claims data, ODI believes that Isuzu has properly identified the population of vehicles at an unreasonable risk of experiencing a brake lamp failure. With the recall action taken by Isuzu, this investigation is closed as further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on N-series vehicles outside of the recall scope. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
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 ISUZU 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.