NHTSA Investigation
PE09055
HVAC Switch Failures
Key Takeaways
- Investigation PE09055 currently maps to 24 tracked vehicle-year pages across 1 make.
- This page summarizes the public investigation subject, status, timing, and affected tracked vehicles linked from NHTSA source data.
- The linked component on this record is electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash.
What This Investigation Page Shows
This page summarizes a public NHTSA investigation record tied to one or more tracked vehicle-year pages in our database. Investigation records sit between owner complaints and recall campaigns: they can remain open, close without a recall, or connect to a later remedy action. Use this page to see which tracked vehicles are linked to the record, then open the individual vehicle pages for complaints, recalls, and crash test context.
Investigation Summary
ODI has received 1 complaint and reports from 4 transportation fleets alleging 182 switch failures.Each fleet operates mini buses built on a Ford E350 or E450 cutaway chassis.The OEM HVAC blower switches have melted, smoked, burned or experienced open flame and become inoperable on vehicles in each fleet.Some drivers have reported a burning smell or smoke coming from the dash.One fleet reported a vehicle fire.No injuries were sustained.However, the bus was carrying special needs children when the driver noticed smoke coming from the dash.The driver was able to evacuate the children prior to the vehicle becoming engulfed in flames.This PE has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA) to determine if the blower motor switch failures create a situation where a vehicle fire is possible and presents a safety risk to the driver and other passengers.
Manufacturer listed on the source record: Ford Motor Company
Component listed on the source record: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Affected Vehicles (24)
| Year | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Ford | E-350 |
| 1998 | Ford | E-350 |
| 1999 | Ford | E-350 |
| 2000 | Ford | E-350 |
| 2001 | Ford | E-350 |
| 2002 | Ford | E-350 |
| 2003 | Ford | E-350 |
| 2004 | Ford | E-350 |
| 2005 | Ford | E-350 |
| 2006 | Ford | E-350 |
| 2007 | Ford | E-350 |
| 2008 | Ford | E-350 |
| 1997 | Ford | E-450 |
| 1998 | Ford | E-450 |
| 1999 | Ford | E-450 |
| 2000 | Ford | E-450 |
| 2001 | Ford | E-450 |
| 2002 | Ford | E-450 |
| 2003 | Ford | E-450 |
| 2004 | Ford | E-450 |
| 2005 | Ford | E-450 |
| 2006 | Ford | E-450 |
| 2007 | Ford | E-450 |
| 2008 | Ford | E-450 |
Browse Affected Vehicles
All data is sourced from NHTSA public records. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or any government agency. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and may not reflect confirmed defects. For official information, visit nhtsa.gov.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026