Investigations
Swing-away boat trailer tongue failures
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE14026 - closed, opened 2014-08-06.
NHTSA investigation PE14026 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2014-08-06 and currently closed. The subject is tracked inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue. 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 PE14026 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) opened this investigation based on a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) alleging a failure of the swing-away hitch pivot bolt resulting in a loss of control. This condition could..." 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) opened this investigation based on a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) alleging a failure of the swing-away hitch pivot bolt resulting in a loss of control. This condition could potentially increase the risk of a crash. During the investigation, ODI collected and reviewed subject and peer vehicle information related to the alleged defect. ODI selected model year 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014 Tracker Marine trailers with swing-away hitches as peer vehicles. ODI sent an Information Request letter to Tracker Marine in order to collect complaint, warranty, parts sales, and design information. Tracker Marine provided all requested information and provided additional clarification upon request. A thorough review of available data revealed no crashes, injuries, or property damage claims. ODI did identify 11 warranty claims on the subject vehicles and 9 warranty claims on peer vehicles that indicated the hitch failed in some way. Tracker Marine provided additional details about each claim. ODI determined of nine claims which indicated the hitch pin or bolt was replaced, no replacements were due to a structural failure of the pin or bolt. Most of the pins were replaced due to damage to the pull ring, which has no effect on the integrity of the hitch. Another nine claims indicated that the pin or pivot tube was cracked. This would result in excessive play and warn the driver that they needed to have the hitch repaired. The remaining 2 cases had insufficient details. All known failures were identified and repaired before a complete separation or loss of control occurred. ODI also considered part sales for the subject component. While part sales did slightly out number warranty claims, it is impossible to correlate each sale to a particular make/model/model year trailer. The subject components are interchangeable and can be purchased in the aftermarket. The owner who submitted the VOQ to ODI also provided the failed pivot bolt to ODI for i
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.