NHTSA Complaint #11624241 — 2024 CHEVROLET EQUINOX

The contact's wife owns a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that a strong, burnt rubber odor could be smelled while taking out the trash in the middle of the night. Soon after, the contact stated that the front passenger side window shattered as flames began to emit from the vehicle. The contact immediately rushed to move his other vehicle away from the burning vehicle while on the phone with the authorities. There were no occupants inside the vehicle at the time of the failure. The authorities arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed; however, the contact never received a copy of the report. Police were also present at the scene of the fire but were not certain if a report was filed. Per the fire investigation, it was determined that the fire was caused by the driver-side seat warmer. No physical injuries were reported; however, both the contact and his wife suffered severe emotional distress. No property damage was reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession. The vehicle had yet to be labeled as destroyed by the contact's insurance company. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 16,989.