NHTSA safety investigation
NHTSA Investigation EA86006
Engineering Analysis · General Motors, LLC · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
An investigation is not a finding that a defect exists.
NHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
What NHTSA is examining
The agency's own description of the inquiry, quoted as published
BRAKE BACKING PLATE
SUMMARY:GM IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN (85V-048)INVOLVING 2,136,826 VEHICLES. THE RECALL IS LIMITED TO VEHICLES BUILT ATCERTAIN ASSEMBLY PLANTS WHICH, ACCORDING TO GM, OVERTORQUED THE BRAKEPIPE NUT,THEREBY OVERSTRESSING THE WHEEL CYLINDER SUPPORT AREA OF THEBACKING PLATE.ANALYSIS:FRONT BRAKES PROVIDE SUFFICIENT BRAKING FOR PASSENGER CARSIN MOST NON-EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. ALL AFFECTED TRUCKS ARE INCLUDED INTHE CURRENT RECALL.IN MOST CASES THE PROBLEM IS DISCOVERED DURING BRAKEMAINTENANCE.THE RECALL APPEARS TO COVER THOSE GROUPS OF CARS WITH THEHIGHEST FAILURE RATES.STATUS:ANALYZING GM IR RESPONSE AND NEW COMPLAINT DATA. DRAFT CLOSINGREPORT BY 5/15/88.===
An investigation is a separate record from a recall and from a manufacturer communication. A manufacturer campaign to repair a safety defect or a failure to meet a federal safety standard.
Investigation details
Identifiers, dates and outcome as recorded by NHTSA
- Action number
- EA86006
- Investigation type
- Engineering Analysis (EA)
- Status
- Closed
- Manufacturer
- General Motors, LLC
- Component
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Opened
- Nov 27, 1985
- Closed
- Nov 28, 1988
- Associated recall campaign
- None recorded
Vehicles named in this investigation
39 model years across 12 models
- Buick Century
- Buick Regal
- Chevrolet El Camino
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo
- Chevrolet S10
- GMC Caballero
- GMC S15
- Oldsmobile Cutlass
- Pontiac Grand Am
- Pontiac Grand Prix
- Pontiac Lemans
Being named here means NHTSA included the vehicle in the scope of its inquiry. It is not a statement that these vehicles have a defect.