On April 20, 2026, at approximately 3:30 PM, a 2025 Ram ProMaster operated as part of a commercial delivery fleet experienced a sudden vehicle fire while driving on a rural road near [XXX] [XXX] ). According to the driver, the vehicle drove over a small amount of corn husk debris on a low-maintenance gravel road, which is a normal and expected driving condition in this area. Immediately after, the vehicle became immobilized, and smoke and fire rapidly developed inside the vehicle and spread to the surrounding field. The driver exited the vehicle quickly and sustained second-degree burns and loss of facial hair. Emergency services responded, and approximately ten fire units were required to contain the fire. The driver was taken to the hospital by ambulance. The vehicle was a total loss. Notably, more than 24 hours after the initial incident, the vehicle reignited while being handled by a tow company. This incident does not appear consistent with normal operating risk. Driving over agricultural debris such as corn husks is a routine condition in rural Nebraska and should not result in catastrophic vehicle failure or fire. Additionally, another fleet operator in the same geographic market reported a nearly identical incident involving a 2025 Ram ProMaster less than one month prior. In that case, the vehicle also caught fire while being driven under normal rural road conditions. There is currently a known recall affecting 2025 Ram ProMaster vehicles. Given the similarity of incidents, severity of outcome, and potential pattern, this may indicate a broader safety defect. This event resulted in driver injury, complete vehicle loss, and damage to surrounding agricultural property. Immediate investigation into potential fire risk and defect in 2025 Ram ProMaster vehicles is strongly requested. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI 11733985