Investigations
STEERING SYST. FAILURES
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE87016 - closed, opened 1987-01-15 and involving the FORD FORD.
NHTSA investigation PE87016 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 1987-01-15 and currently closed. The subject of record is FORD FORD, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for FORD. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 1987-08-06 - 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 PE87016 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: "ANALYSIS: THIS PE WAS INITIATED BASED ON RECEIPT OF CONSUMER REPORTS OFPOWER STEERING FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. THIS ISSUE WAS ORIGINALLYREVIEWED UNDER PE86-006, WHICH WAS CLOSED AFTER NO DEFECT TREND WAS IDENTI-..." 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 FORD files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
ANALYSIS: THIS PE WAS INITIATED BASED ON RECEIPT OF CONSUMER REPORTS OFPOWER STEERING FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. THIS ISSUE WAS ORIGINALLYREVIEWED UNDER PE86-006, WHICH WAS CLOSED AFTER NO DEFECT TREND WAS IDENTI-FIED. THIS PE WAS OPENED TO REASSESS THE MAGNITUDE OF THE ALLEGED PROBLEM.IN RESPONSE TO NHTSA'S REQUEST FOR INFORMATION, FORD REPORTED THE FAILURE(COMPLAINT), ACCIDENT, AND INJURY STATISTICS CITED ABOVE. INCLUDED INTHESE DATA ARE 8 CASES INVOLVING ACCIDENT OR SUBROGATION CLAIMS, AND 7LAWSUITS THAT CITE POWER STEERING PROBLEMS AS THE BASIS FOR THE PLAINTIFF'SCASE AGAINST FORD. IN ADDITION, FORD REPORTED HAVING INITIATED ONLY ONEENGINEERING DESIGN MODIFICATION IN MAY 1983 WHICH RELATES TO THE POTENTIALFOR MALFUNCTION OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP. WARRANTY CLAIM DATA RELATINGTO THIS MATTER FAILED TO EITHER ESTABLISH OR SUBSTANTIATE THE EXISTENCE OFA DEFECT TREND.PROPOSED ACTION: CLOSE THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.===
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 FORD Investigations
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Timing Belt Failure
Underbody shields detachment
B-Pillar Trim Detachment
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
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.