In October 2018 the Center for Auto Safety, a consumer group co-founded by Ralph Nader in 1970, called on federal regulators to recall millions of Hyundai and Kia vehicles over a fire hazard. The group pointed to about 220 complaints of fires that started without a crash, covering roughly three million vehicles. The models named included the Kia Sorento and Optima and the Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe, mostly from model years 2011 to 2014.
Why a fire without a crash matters
A vehicle that catches fire on its own, while parked or driving normally, points to a defect in the vehicle and not to a driver error. When many owners report the same problem, it becomes a safety issue for everyone on the road.
If your vehicle caught fire
Check your vehicle for open recalls using the VIN at the federal recall lookup on NHTSA.gov, and do not ignore a recall notice. If a fire has already happened, write down what you remember and take photos of the vehicle. Get the fire department report. Do not let the vehicle be repaired, sold or scrapped until it has been properly documented, because the vehicle itself is key evidence.
A fire from a defective vehicle is usually a product liability claim against the manufacturer, which is different from a claim against another driver. These cases are technical and take real investigation. Time limits apply, so read our guide to the Nevada statute of limitations and talk to a lawyer early.
This post is general information and not legal advice.