Investigation EA87012: Vehicles

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Mar 6, 1987

Closed

Sep 10, 1987

Model years

—

Subject

Sudden acceleration

Summary

Summary of information from manufacturer:manufacturer provided failuredata regarding the extent and nature of the alleged defect.no relevantservice bulletins have been issued nor service campaigns undertaken whichrelate to the alleged problem.no trends were found which relate to dateor plant of vehicle manufacture, geographic location, or date of thealleged incident.information was provided to document maximum enginespeeds as a result of malfunction of various components, and combinationsof components, in the fuel supply, emissions control, ignition control,and engine idle speed control systems, with the transmission in park, andwhen shifted into drive or reverse.data were also provided regardingengine noise levels at higher than normal idle speeds.analysis:no specific mode of component or system failure or malfunctionwas identified as causal to the alleged incidents.the manufacturer'sattempts to replicate each of the alleged incidents were unsuccessful, andno physical malfunctions were discovered in any of the vehicles inspected.malfunctions of components and subsystems which might affect engine speedwere found to result in slightly higher than normal engine speeds while inpark, but these consistently returned to normal when the transmissionwas shifted into forward or reverse gear.no systematic mechanical orelectrical failure inherent to the design or manufacture of the vehiclewas identified as causal to a self-actuating, sustained increase in enginespeed that would result in unintended vehicle acceleration.===

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.