Toyota is under fire following at least 11 complaints of auto fires reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to the regulatory agency, officials opened a probe to look into the engine fires associated with 2013 through 2018 Toyota RAV4 models. At least 1.9 million vehicles could be affected if regulators find equipment issues.
In seven of the 11 complaints filed with the NHTSA, drivers claimed that fires started while they were driving their vehicles. The remaining four incidents happened when the ignition was turned off. Thankfully, no injuries or major property damage was reported in any of the fiery accidents.
According to the agency, improper battery installation or related issues caused by front-end collision repair might have also contributed to some of the incidents.
Following Toyota Investigation, NHTSA Will Announce Whether A Recall Is In Order
While the reported fiery incidents did not result in any injury, we hope that regulators will act fast in order to ensure that car manufacturers are not willingly exposing drivers to unnecessary risks.
So far, Toyota has not announced any recall plans. However, if officials find that a manufacturing or equipment issue is to blame for the fires, the company will have to recall the over one million vehicles.
Stay On Top Of Auto Equipment News To Avoid Accidents
To drivers, keeping up with auto safety news is essential.
According to government officials, vehicle fires accounted for one in every eight fires reported to fire departments nationwide between 2014 and 2016. Among those, 62% of vehicle fires and 36% of fatal vehicle fires were caused by engine, gear, or wheel-related issues.
Additionally, in at least 45% of fiery incidents, mechanical failure was a contributing factor while in 29%, bad insulation around electrical wiring was to blame.
If anything, these numbers show that auto issues that can lead to fires should be addressed promptly. Doing so can save lives.
To read more about NHTSA’s probe into this matter, follow this link.
