 In their analysis of the social factors affecting the NHTSA's actions, Lee and Ermann note that 27 is the same number of deaths attributed to a Pinto transmission problem which contributed to collisions after the affected cars stalled.They also note that the NHTSA had two primary incentives in proving a defect existed in the Pinto's fuel system design.The administration was pressured by safety advocates (Center for Auto Safety) as well as the public response.