NHTSA Complaint #10136770 — 1998 FORD EXPLORER

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT 1998 FORD EXPLORER CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED. THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WHEN THE FIRE STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT, AND THE CONSUMER HAD ONLY BEEN IN THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT FIVE MINUTES. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS STILL WORKING. ALL OF THE INSTRUMENTS ON THE DASHBOARD WERE IN WORKING ORDER. THE CONSUMER HAD THE AIR CONDITIONER (A/C) ON AND NOTICED THAT SMOKE WAS COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. THE FIRE WAS COMING OUT OF THE DASHBOARD FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT IT LOOKED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD, AND THEY ASKED WHAT SHE WANTED THEM TO DO ABOUT IT. THE CONSUMER DID HAVE A FIRE REPORT AND PICTURES . THE CONSUMER ONLY HAS LIABILITY INSURANCE ON THE TRUCK, WHICH WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE WAS CALLED IN TO THE POLICE, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS UNSURE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN.*AK