The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into air brake systems in semi-trucks that are reportedly causing fires.
According to a news report, in a July 16 NHTSA notice, the agency confirmed it has launched a probe into Haldex Gold Seal GC3030LCW air brake chambers installed in model year 2015 to 2020 trucks.
The investigation was launched after complaints of air loss resulting in multiple vehicle fires.
What Spurred the Investigation?
NHTSA officials say about 500,000 trucks could be affected by this investigation. The agency says the defect involves the power spring fractures that puncture the diaphragm causing air loss within the spring brake circuit, resulting in brake drag without enough warning to the driver.
NHTSA documents show that 11 vehicle owners reported failure of a Haldex brake chamber without discernable warning to the driver. In seven out of the 11 cases, owners reported fires that caused extensive damage to the vehicle and in some cases, to the cargo.
In at least one of the fires, an investigation report identified a wheel end fire as the origin. Analysis of other failed units found Haldex brake chamber diaphragms punctured by the power spring, the documents stated.
After receiving these complaints, officials learned that multiple fleets were having issues with numerous vehicles. The Office of Defects investigation also learned that Haldex agreed to replace brake chambers on some of the vehicles in these fleets, NHTSA documents said. The agency’s investigation could potentially lead to a recall.
Issuing a Prompt Recall
When a safety defect is discovered, automakers or manufacturers of defective vehicle parts are required to report it promptly to NHTSA, which will then consider investigating the matter. If it turns out to be a valid safety concern, NHTSA elevates the probe to an engineering analysis.
If there is a determination that the defect is dangerous, then, the automaker is asked to issue a recall. This can be a lengthy process and it often takes several months or years.
Conducting a safety recall is a costly proposition and that is the reason why automakers drag their feet when it comes to issuing these recalls. However, it is the duty and responsibility of automakers to issue a timely safety recall in order to ensure the safety of the consumers.
