NHTSA Active Vehicle Defect Investigations
Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is making consumers aware that monthly reports of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) recalls and active vehicle defect investigations can be viewed by clicking “NHTSA Monthly Reports: Recalls and Investigations.”
Investigations are grouped according to type of investigation (i.e., Preliminary Evaluation, Engineering Analysis, Recall Query, and Defect/Recall Petition) and identify the products under investigation, the alleged problem, and the investigation status.
For details on specific investigations, consumers can enter the investigation’s “Action#” in the NHTSA SAFETY ISSUE ID box, after selecting the “search by NHTSA ID” link on the NHTSA “Safety Issues & Recalls” page (click here.)
Types of NHTSA Defect Investigations
The types of defect investigations are defined by the NHTSA as follows:
PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (“PE”)
Initial phase of a NHTSA investigation, a PE is prompted after a review of consumer complaints and/or manufacturer service bulletins suggest a safety defect may exist. The results of a PE determine whether the investigation will be upgraded to an Engineering Analysis or closed. Most PEs are resolved within four months.
ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (“EA”)
Second and final phase of a NHTSA investigation, an EA is undertaken if data from a PE indicate further examination of a potential safety defect is warranted. The results of an EA determine whether a safety recall should be initiated or the investigation should be closed. Most EAs are resolved within one year.
RECALL QUERY (“RQ”)
NHTSA monitors recalls to ensure that the scope, completion rate, and remedy are adequate. If recall adequacy comes into question, an RQ is opened to determine if the scope of the recall should be expanded or an adjustment in existing remedies is required.
DEFECT OR RECALL PETITION (“DP” OR “RP”)
NHTSA may be petitioned to investigate an alleged safety defect or whether a manufacturer has successfully carried out the requirements of a recall. If the petition is granted, NHTSA opens an appropriate investigation. If the petition is denied, the reasons for denial are published in the Federal Register.
VEHICLE OWNERS AND LESSEES AFFECTED BY AUTOMOTIVE DEFECTS OR SAFETY RECALLS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT KEHOE LAW FIRM, P.C., [email protected], FOR A FREE, NO-OBLIGATION EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL LEGAL CLAIMS.
Source: NHTSA.gov