NHTSA Complaint #11497149 — 2022 RAM 3500

The vehicle had been parked in the street for several hours. I started the vehicle in order to back it into my driveway for the night and then turned it off (total run time for the operation was most likely under a minute from the time the engine was started until it was shut down). The temperature was relatively cool and I did have to wait for the grid heater to cycle before the engine started. I did not notice any signs, warnings, safety indicators, or dash lights to alert me to any possible problems. Upon exiting the truck I detected a very faint and quickly disipating odor of hot electrical components, similar to a fourescent light ballast that has gone bad. I looked around but didn't see anything. I began retrieving some tools from the rear passenger side of the truck and smelled the same odor but stronger. Over the next 30-40 seconds I began to search for the source and realized that white smoke was now pouring out from under the hood of the truck. I was able to get it to start and pulled it into the street just prior to flames coming from under the hood near the drivers windshield. 911 was contacted as I tried to remove any belongings from the cab. The truck is now a total loss due to fire most likely. The fire and police responded to put the vehicle out but it was almost completely engulfed on their arrival. My insurance company is attempting to gain possession of the vehicle to begin their investigation. The Vehicle has approx 16,900 miles and was Serviced for safety recall Y76 for risk of engine fire on September 21st of 2022. The vehicle had 14,192 miles when it was inspected and passed according to the recall standards at the time. The vehicle has no other history of repairs or service items and has had no other mechanical or electrical problems to date. This was a very close call that could have resulted in the loss of my home, all my possessions, and risked harm to myself and my family if I had not stopped to get tools from the cab.