NHTSA Complaint #11019324 — 2013 FORD FIESTA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 FORD FIESTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AS SHE WAS STOPPING THE VEHICLE, ANOTHER MOTORIST ALERTED THE CONTACT OF FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE FRONT END OF HER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT AND HER PASSENGERS WERE ABLE TO EXIT SAFELY. THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF FIRE OR POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, DEALER, OR THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO DIRECT ALL QUESTIONS TO HER INSURANCE COMPANY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,053. ...UPDATED 10/19/17 *BF *JS