NHTSA Complaint #10788538 — 2012 SCION XB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SCION XB. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TIGHT, AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INJURY. THE VEHICLE ERUPTED INTO FLAMES AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD SEND AN INSPECTOR; HOWEVER, NO ONE WAS SENT FOR A YEAR. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD A FIRE INSPECTOR WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE NUMBER ONE CYLINDER ROD FRACTURED AND CAUSED A HOLE FOR OIL TO LEAK OUT OF, WHICH LED TO THE FIRE. THE FIRE CAUSED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.