Investigation PE00013: Vehicles

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Feb 23, 2000

Closed

Jul 31, 2000

Model years

—

Subject

Inadvertent reclining power bench seat

Component: Seats › Front assembly › Recliner

Summary

Centurion converts production vans into small recreational vehicles, with power operated rear seats that recline into a bed for sleeping.The bed, when fully reclined, is about the size of a standard double bed mattress.The reclining process can be activated by one or more switches located in the vehicle.The switch or switches are always operable, even when the vehicle's ignition switch is in the off and locked position.When the button switch is activated, separate parts of the bench seats move to form the flat bed. This seat moving process takes about 8 to 10 seconds.It is alleged that a four year old child was trapped under a seat and died.

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.