NHTSA Complaint #744711 — 2001 LEXUS RX300

WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 15MPH AFTER STARTING OUT FROM A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR THE PAST 26 HOURS AND WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE DURING THAT TIME PERIOD. AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN OPERATION FOR ONLY ABOUT 10 MINUTES, AND WAS ABOUT 4-5 MILES FROM MY RESIDENCE. THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL ODOR JUST PRIOR TO OBSERVING THE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER BOTH SIDES OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE BUT DID NOT INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OR ORIGIN OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED FROM THE SCENE AND IS A TOTAL LOSS. MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE DEALER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. AT THE TIME OF THIS REPORT I HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY THE DEALER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ME BY EITHER PHONE OR E-MAIL.*AK