Preliminary Evaluation · Closed
LCI RV Entry Step Failures
Manufacturer: Lippert
This investigation led to a recall
NHTSA links this probe to recall campaign 16V132000.
Read the recall: what is defective and the free fix →What NHTSA is examining
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on four Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ).The VOQs report failures of the motorized entry steps used on some recreational vehicles.When extended the steps reach out and down from the vehicle.In the retracted position the step platforms are stacked on top of each other in a compact package under the vehicle body.The gear used to actuate the steps can separate from the actuation motor allowing the steps to unintentionally extend or retract in an uncontrolled fashion.ODI was aware of one injury event prior to opening the investigation. An additional four injuries were reported to Lippert Controls Inc. (LCI) during the investigation.An Information Request Letter (IR) was sent to LCI in order to gather detailed information about the alleged defect. ODI analyzed the IR response data, simulated the failure on an exemplar set of stairs, and inspected broken parts.Complaint and warranty data indicated that the alleged defect was occurring at a significant rate.Constructing a test stand and recreating the failure mode clearly demonstrated the safety consequence of a separated drive gear.Extended steps with a separated drive gear retract when a vertical force is applied to the step.This retraction can capture an individual's foot or ankle as they ascend or descend the steps. Such an action can cause the individual to fall more than three feet to the ground.After analyzing the failure mode, the Vehicle Research…
Vehicles under investigation
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation records, updated daily. An investigation is not a determination that a defect exists; many probes close without a recall.