Unwanted vehicle accel

An NHTSA Engineering Analysis into American Motors vehicles. Closed 21 July 1987.

Investigation
EA85043
Type
Engineering Analysis
Opened
21 August 1985
Closed
21 July 1987

What NHTSA investigated

Summary: manufacturer claims most reports are a shift-flare condition ofhigher engine speeds during the no-load shifting time interval.this claimdoes not appear to be substantiated by the reports.reports do not followthe typical scenario of sudden acceleration occuring when the vehicle isplaced into a driving mode.many reports occur when shifting into any gearat any speed.also some reports of severe engine damage.analysis: although there appears to be a design flaw in the speed controlloop, most of the complaints occur at speeds which allow transmission dis-engagement.in addition, this tends to be an intermittent type of failurewhich is hard to trace to a single source/cause/component, although the isamotor has been cited by several of the consumers and field representatives.status: c-memo draft forwarded to (h) 6/16/87.===

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
American MotorsENCORE1983–1984
RenaultALLIANCE1983–1984

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.