NHTSA Complaint #10294872 — 1990 TOYOTA PICKUP

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 TOYOTA PICKUP TRUCK 4X4. AFTER TURNING ON THE HEATER, LEAVES CAUGHT FIRE INSIDE OF HIS TRUCK. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND A LETTER WAS SENT ADVISING HIM THAT NO ASSISTANCE WOULD BE PROVIDED.. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000. UPDATED 01/27/10. *LJ SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE TRUCK, THE CONSUMER NOTICED TREE LEAVES ENTERING THE MECHANICAL FAN CAGE. AFTER REMOVING THE LEAVES SEVERAL TIMES, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE SERVICE MANAGER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING ALTERED AND WOULD NOT MAKE ANY MODIFICATIONS. OVER THE YEARS THE CONSUMER WOULD DILIGENTLY CLEAN THE SYSTEM 2-3 TIMES PER YEAR. AT TIMES HE COULD SMELL THE BURNING LEAVES WHEN OPERATING THE HEATER. WHEN THE LEAVES ACCUMULATE IN THE CAGE AND THE FAN IS ENERGIZED, THE MOVEMENT OF THE SMALL BLADES SPINNING AROUND THE LEAVES CREATES FRICTION CAUSING THE LEAVES TO IGNITE AND CATCH FIRE. UPDATED 01/28/10.*JB