Investigation PE12024: Vehicles

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Aug 17, 2012

Closed

Sep 13, 2012

Model years

—

Subject

Aux. Brake Failure - Adaptive Equipment

Component: Equipment adaptive/mobility

Summary

The subject electronic gas/brake system allows vehicle operation by a driver's hands instead of their feet and is equipped with a redundant (auxiliary) brake system so that a failure of the primary braking system does not result in a total loss of brakes.The cited incident involved a situation where the driver was unaware that auxiliary system was malfunctioning and, when the primary system failed, she was unable to stop the vehicle.The recall will remedy this issue by retrofitting system-equipped vehicles with a warning protocol to alert drivers that the auxiliary system is fully operational.The recall (12E-034) was submitted after agency discussions with Automotive Innovations Inc. staff and before an Information Request letter was sent.

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.