Investigations
TIRE PUNCTURE
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE99043 - closed, opened 1999-06-25 and involving the CHEVROLET CHEVROLET.
NHTSA investigation PE99043 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 1999-06-25 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 1999-11-08 - 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 PE99043 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: "ODI received a report that the subject trailer (Jayco Travel Trailer equipped with dual axles, mounting a total of four tires), towed at highway speeds by a properly equipped 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe experienced blow-out of..." 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
ODI received a report that the subject trailer (Jayco Travel Trailer equipped with dual axles, mounting a total of four tires), towed at highway speeds by a properly equipped 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe experienced blow-out of both left side trailer tires after being passed by a semi truck (traveling an extimated 15 mph faster). It is believed that the trailer's two left tires blew out after being contacted by the trailer's shock absorber brackets, this contact being induced by lateral movement of the trailer on its suspension. This suspension travel has been attributed to the passing semi truck's turbulence acting on the trailer. The tire blow-out caused a jack-knife crash of the Tahoe/trailer conbination. Examination of one of the trailer's left side tires shows a series of gouges located circumferentially on the inner sidewall in a location corresponding to one of the shock absorber brackets. A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to further evaluate the facts associated with this incident, and to determine the possibility of occurrence of similar incidents in the future.
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.