NHTSA safety investigation
NHTSA Investigation EA88015
Engineering Analysis · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · SEATS
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
SEAT TRACK
SUMMARY: RESULTS OF ETF TESTING SHOW THAT A FAILED SEAT TRACK CAUSES THETHE SEAT ASSEMBLY TO RECLINE UNTIL THE SEAT BACK CONTACTS THE REAR SEATCUSHION, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.ANALYSIS: THE ROCKER RECLINER SEAT MOUNTING BRACKET IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLESSEPARATES FROM THE TRACK ASSEMBLY BECAUSE OF METAL FATIGUE.AMC HAS MOD-IFIED THE SEAT TRACK DESIGN AND APPARENTLY SOLVED THE PROBLEM.RECOMMENDATION: TEST ADDITIONAL FAILED SEATS AND SEND A RECALL REQUESTLETTER.===
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
- EA88015
- Investigation type
- Engineering Analysis (EA)
- Status
- Closed
- Manufacturer
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Component
- SEATS
- Opened
- Jan 19, 1988
- Closed
- May 16, 1988
- Associated recall campaign
- 88V060000
Vehicles named in this investigation
4 model years across 2 models
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.