NHTSA safety investigation
NHTSA Investigation PE89115
Preliminary Evaluation · CROWN AUTO TOP MFG. · 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
SEATBACK FAILURE
SUMMARY:SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORTS EXTENDED SEAT BACKS ARE BREAKING AWAYFROM THE SEATS SOLID FRAME.SEAT BACK SEPARATION COULD HAVE A DETRIMENTALEFFECT ON THE VEHICLES COMPARTMENTALIZATION PRINCIPLE IN THE EVENT OF ASERIOUS ACCIDENT.COMPARTMENTALIZATION, AS OUTLINED IN THE STANDARD, REQUIRES STRENGTH INTHE ENTIRE SEATING SYSTEM WHICH INCLUDES THE FLOOR, THE SEAT FRAME ANDTHE FASTENING OF THE FRAMES TO THE FLOOR WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDINGSEAT SYSTEM PADDING AND FLEXIBILITY TO ABSORB ENERGY IN A CRASH.===
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
- PE89115
- Investigation type
- Preliminary Evaluation (PE)
- Status
- Closed
- Manufacturer
- CROWN AUTO TOP MFG.
- Component
- SEATS
- Opened
- Apr 12, 1989
- Closed
- Jul 28, 1989
- Associated recall campaign
- None recorded
Vehicles named in this investigation
1 model year 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.