NHTSA Investigation PE13028

Sway Bar End Link Failure

On August 26, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this preliminary evaluation after evaluating a Campaign Service Bulletin (CSB) 12-250-002 (NHTSA ID No. 10051812) issued by Spartan Chassis, Inc.The CSB related to sway bar end link failures on certain motorhome chassis manufactured between April 2, 2009 and January 14, 2013.In response to ODI's information request letter, Spartan conducted a detailed analysis of its claim data related to sway bar end link failures on the subject chassis.Spartan determined that a certain population of model MM motorhome chassis equipped with its model 1253 front suspension were experiencing an increased rate of failure.The population identified incorporated a design change that occurred in late 2009.This change increased the rebound travel of the front suspension resulting in a binding condition that could cause the sway bar end links to fail.A broken sway bar end link can potentially cause poor vehicle handling that could increase the risk of a vehicle crash.Based on the results of their analysis, Spartan decided to issue a defect notice and conduct a safety recall to replace the existing sway bar end links with new units and an improved mounting.Based on Spartan's decision to conduct a safety recall (14V-020), ODI is closing this investigation.

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.