NHTSA Complaint #11558177 — 2022 RAM PROMASTER

On November 3, 2023 I was driving the van on the NYS Thruway. I had stopped at a rest area to use the facilities. When I returned to the van about 5 minutes later the vehicle was smoking profusely and objects were falling out of the engine area. By the time i got to the van there were flames coming out of the engine area and the entire front of the van was engulfed in flames. Luckily someone had called the fire department and the flames were extinguished quickly. In the meantime I had removed 2 Alpacas from the rear of the van with the help of witnesses. There were no warning signs of an issue with the engine. No warning lights and not burning odor. So, yes, I feel the I, my alpacas, and others safety were put at risk. I am so thankful that the fire started while I was stopped at the rest area and not while driving on the thruway and avoided a real tragedy. The van is a total loss.The incident has been reported to insurance and currently under investigation and are waiting a final report.