NHTSA Complaint #11622499 — 2008 HONDA RIDGELINE

The contact owned a 2008 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the wheels got stuck in loose deep sand in a field. The husband drove the vehicle forward and backward attempting to get the vehicle unstuck. The contact stated that smoke and flames were coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the smoke and fire seemed to be a chemical fire. The contact stated that the fire and flames came from underneath the doors. The contact and her husband exited the vehicle safely. The contact stated that after exiting the vehicle, there was an explosion under the hood. The local Fire and Police Departments arrived on the scene. The Fire Department extinguished the fire. The contact was unsure if a Police or Fire report had been filed. The contact stated that no report information was provided at the scene. The contact stated that the vehicle was engulfed in flames within minutes. The contact stated that the vehicle was burned to the ground. The vehicle was left at the location of the fire. The contact stated that no medical attention was needed; however, while the contact was picking up coins her pinkie and index finger on her right hand were burned. The contact stated that the ammunition for the deer hunting trip was in the vehicle and exploded. The contact stated that personal items such as cell phones, purses, and other personal items were burned in the fire. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.