NHTSA Complaint #10106140 — 1997 DODGE B SERIES

THE DRIVER REPORTED TO HIS FIRST JOB IN THE AM. HE SAYS HE HAD DRIVEN THE VAN APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES. NOTICED NOTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT THE OPERATION OF THE VAN. NO UNUSUAL SMELL. WHEN HE PULLED UP TO HIS FIRST JOB HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING UP FROM UNDER THE VAN. HE EXITED THE VAN AND OPENED THE HOOD. HE SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HE TRIED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER WHILE HE DIALED 911. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VAN IS A TOTAL-LOSS. VERIZON HAS HAD SIMILAR FIRES IN THIS MODEL VAN AND FEELS THAT THIS INCIDENT DESERVES FURTHER INVESTIGATION. PREVIOUS FIRES OF THIS NATURE HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO NHTSA BY VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS. *AK