Investigation priorities.

(a) Compliance investigation priorities are reviewed annually and are set according to the following criteria: (1) Prior compliance test data; (2) Accident data; (3) Engineering analysis of vehicle and equipment designs; (4) Consumer complaints; and (5) Market share. (b) Defects inputs are reviewed periodically by an appropriate panel of engineers in consultation with the Office of Chief Counsel to determine whether a formal investigation should be opened by the Office of Defects Investigation.