On 10/24, a rented van (from Budget Truck Rental) was parked and stationary on private commercial property (a warehouse lot) when a fire originated in the engine compartment area. The fire rapidly escalated, causing severe damage to the van itself, and resulting in the total loss of a second, adjacent rented van. The local Fire Department (FD) responded to and extinguished the blaze. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The fire appeared to originate in the engine compartment. The specific component or system that failed is UNKNOWN at this time, pending a formal report from FD, but the recall 67C one day earlier shows this could have been the reason. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle was unoccupied and stationary; however, the uncontrolled fire created an immediate and significant risk to the nearby structure (warehouse building) and resulted in the total destruction of an adjacent commercial vehicle. The incident posed a risk to emergency responders and caused substantial property damage. We have 12 other vans with these recalls and very concerned. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? NO. The incident was a fire resulting in the vehicle's damage and loss. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The incident is under investigation by the Fire Department (FD) and the Police Department (PD). Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO. The vehicle was parked and shut off. We use Samsara and no prior warning lamps, messages, or symptoms reported before the fire began. The vehicle has 4162h on the engine and 47,175 miles.
NHTSA ODI 11697448