MONTHLY DEFECT INVESTIGATION REPORT
AND
CIVIL PENALTIES ASSESSED
FOR JULY 2001

OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION, NSA-10
SAFETY ASSURANCE
NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE
TOLL FREE NUMBER: 1-888-DASH-2-DOT
(1-888-327-4236)
WASHINGTON, DC AREA: 202-366-0123
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/MonthlyDefects/index.cfm

This report contains information on active defect investigations, defect petitions, and recall petitions.

DEFECTS INVESTIGATIONS

Defect Investigations that were opened, upgraded or closed during the month are identified in the appropriate table. Letters sent to and received from manufacturers during the month are also indicated. Investigations show as closed during the month will be deleted from the tables in next months report.

DEFECT/RECALL PETITIONS

Defect/Recall Petitions that were opened, granted or denied during the month are identified in the appropriate table. Petitions shown as closed during the month will be deleted from the table in next months report.

Letters sent during the month may include: (1) requests for information concerning active investigations or petitions, (2) letters to manufacturers who are not the subject of the specific investigation and (3) informal requests made by the Office of Defects Investigation during an investigation for voluntary recalls of motor vehicles or items of equipment for which there may be evidence of a safety defect. These informal recall requests do not reflect agency conclusions with respect to the evidence and are not to be confused with initial or final decisions pursuant to 49 USC 30118 or recall orders that are issued by the agency after a final decision that a motor vehicle or motor vehicles equipment contains a defect related to vehicle safety.

TABLES

• Preliminary Evaluations
• Engineering Analyses
• Defect/Recall Petitions