Investigations
REAR AXLE OVERLOAD
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE86052 - closed, opened 1986-05-01 and involving the CHEVROLET CHEVROLET.
NHTSA investigation PE86052 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 1986-05-01 and currently closed. The subject of record is CHEVROLET CHEVROLET, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for CHEVROLET. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 1986-09-11 - 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 PE86052 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: "SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER: ESTABLISHMENT BUILDS A MICRO-MINI MOTORHOME ON A GENERAL MOTORS CHEVROLET ASTRO/GMC SAFARI MINI VAN.ANALYSIS: IN ORDER FOR THE MINI VAN TO SUPPORT A MICRO-MINI MOTORHOME,THE FRAM..." 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 CHEVROLET files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER: ESTABLISHMENT BUILDS A MICRO-MINI MOTORHOME ON A GENERAL MOTORS CHEVROLET ASTRO/GMC SAFARI MINI VAN.ANALYSIS: IN ORDER FOR THE MINI VAN TO SUPPORT A MICRO-MINI MOTORHOME,THE FRAME RAILS MUST BE EXTENDED AND THE REAR GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGAND VEHICLE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING MUST BE SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED.PROPOSED ACTION: OPEN PE, PREPARE INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER.
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 CHEVROLET Investigations
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Loss of Motive Power due to the Battery Energy Control Module
Electric Vehicle Battery Fires
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
Fuel Line Leak
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.