Investigation EQ08009: Vehicles

Status

CLOSED

Opened

May 30, 2008

Closed

Oct 6, 2008

Model years

—

Subject

Norcold, inc absorption refrigerators

Component: Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer

Summary

On 03/25/08 norcold filed a defect report stating certain absorption refrigerators may experience a refrigerant leak.if a refrigerator continues to operate without refrigerant liquid, very high temperatures can occur possibly leading to a fire.as many of these refrigerators are installed in recreational vehicles, a fire can cause personal injury to the vehicle occupants and extensive property damage. Rmd mailed information request letters to 21 vehicle manufacturers on 6/17/2008.of those responses, monaco coach, coachmen, travel units, & winnebago had filed defect reports prior to receiving rmd's notice, alfa leisure's letter was returned as they went out of business on 4/30/2008, and several companies were boat modifiers that would not file defect reports with nhtsa.10 vehicle manufacturers filed a defect report with nhtsa and notified their customer base accordingly. This equipment query is closed. Ir responses can be found below or in the document repository.

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.