NHTSA safety investigation
NHTSA Investigation PE04047
Preliminary Evaluation · VAN HOOL, N.V. (*) · SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
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
SERVICE BRAKE SUPPLY TANK SEPARATION
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED TO EVALUATE VAN HOOL'S DECISION TO CONDUCT A FIELD SERVICE CAMPAIGN INSTEAD OF A SAFETY RECALL TO REPAIR THE SERVICE BRAKE AIR TANK MOUNTING BRACKETS THAT ARE FAILING.THIS TYPE OF FAILURE COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE NECESSARY FOR PROPER SERVICE BRAKE APPLICATION.IN ADDITION, THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE DETACHED AIR TANK COULD SEPARATE FROM THE BUS, STRIKING VEHICLES OPERATING BEHIND OR AROUND THE AFFECTED BUS.AS THE RESULT OF THE AGENCY?S INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER, VAN HOOL HAS AGREED TO INITIATE A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN AND MAKE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO THE AIR TANK MOUNTING SYSTEM OF 677 BUSES (MOTORCOACHES).THE ACTION TAKEN BY VAN HOOL IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.A COPY OF THE SAFETY RECALL IS ATTACHED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
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
- PE04047
- Investigation type
- Preliminary Evaluation (PE)
- Status
- Closed
- Manufacturer
- VAN HOOL, N.V. (*)
- Component
- SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Opened
- Jun 18, 2004
- Closed
- Aug 30, 2004
- Associated recall campaign
- 04V423000
Vehicles named in this investigation
3 model years across 1 model
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.