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Toyota Motor Corporation Informative - My Camry Hybrid Caught Fire And Toyota Doesn't Care! - 2007 Camry Hybrid
2007 Camry Hybrid
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, CALIFORNIA -- On June 13th, 2008 I was traveling in my 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid on Interstate 15 between Las Vegas & Barstow, CA when suddenly, without warning, my car lost power and effectively shut down. On the dash the warning "Hybrid System Failure" appeared. After easing my car off of the highway I observed smoke coming from under the hood and within minutes a small flame appeared from under the engine compartment. I watched, helpless, as the car became engulfed in flames and was destroyed.
The following day I called Toyota, explained what had happened and the next week was contacted by their claims department. It took a full 2 1/2 months of effort on our part to get any information regarding our claim as none of their commitments to get back to us regarding our case were followed up on.
Finally this week, almost shockingly we actually got someone on the phone and found that their "investigation" was complete. Basically, they had no idea what started the fire, would accept no responsibility and would do nothing at all for us, the consumer. This is particularly amazing considering our vehicle was only a little over a year old and had only 23,000 miles, most certainly under warranty.
My wife and I purchased not one but two new vehicles from Toyota in 2007 and were happy customers until now. Our friends, relatives and co-workers are equally shocked by Toyota's response.
Any recommendations regarding who to contact at Toyota and request a review of our case would be appreciated.
The following day I called Toyota, explained what had happened and the next week was contacted by their claims department. It took a full 2 1/2 months of effort on our part to get any information regarding our claim as none of their commitments to get back to us regarding our case were followed up on.
Finally this week, almost shockingly we actually got someone on the phone and found that their "investigation" was complete. Basically, they had no idea what started the fire, would accept no responsibility and would do nothing at all for us, the consumer. This is particularly amazing considering our vehicle was only a little over a year old and had only 23,000 miles, most certainly under warranty.
My wife and I purchased not one but two new vehicles from Toyota in 2007 and were happy customers until now. Our friends, relatives and co-workers are equally shocked by Toyota's response.
Any recommendations regarding who to contact at Toyota and request a review of our case would be appreciated.
Comments:
Posted by Anonymous on 2008-08-28:
Sounds to me like the fuel line broke apart. Who actually examined the car?
Posted by Anonymous on 2008-08-28:
Did you have an independant mechanic examine the vehicle after the fire? Did your insurance company have the car inspected? If yes to either or both of these questions, what were the findings? Were they provided to Toyota? When you say "basically" Toyota doesn't know what started the fire, did a Toyota representative inspect the vehicle? If yes, did they provide you or your insurance company with a copy of the inspection report? Your experience, while not a pleasant one is a good reminder for all of us: CARRY A FIRE EXTINGUISHER in your car at all times.
Posted by MrBeanRocks25 on 2008-08-28:
Yes, do carry an Automotive Fire Extinguisher in your car for such emergencies like this. I carry one in my car all the time. It may have helped decrease the damage to your car if your wife had caught it in time.
I'm glad your wife escaped unharmed. I don't know what would have caused the fire because I am not familiar with hybrid vehicles. I hope someone here can give you answers.
I'm glad your wife escaped unharmed. I don't know what would have caused the fire because I am not familiar with hybrid vehicles. I hope someone here can give you answers.
Posted by BobJohn on 2008-08-29:
I was driving a fairly new Kia Sportage in Costa Rica and the fuel line came undone. I was close to the hotel and managed to roll down the driveway. There was no fire but this does happen (first time in driving over 43 years). I don't know if you've looked for any kind of recalls for this kind of problem. Your car insurance should have done something.
Posted by Slimjim on 2008-08-29:
Your insurance company will pay for the totalled car and since it's not an at-fault incident, you shouldn't see any rate hike or non-renewal problems. Let them worry about getting compensation from Toyota if they desire.
Posted by Anonymous on 2008-08-29:
Good idea about the fire extinguisher but also remember to check it periodically to be sure it is still charged.
About a month ago, in a nearby town, a passerby saw a small fire in a neighbor's garage. She went to get her extinguisher from her car but it was useless as it had no charge to it.
About a month ago, in a nearby town, a passerby saw a small fire in a neighbor's garage. She went to get her extinguisher from her car but it was useless as it had no charge to it.
Posted by MrBeanRocks25 on 2008-08-29:
Hmmm, didn't know that Robf. Thanks for the notice. I just bought my extinguisher a few months ago, so it should be fine.
Posted by BobJohn on 2008-08-30:
Also, with a fire extinguisher - DON'T KEEP IT IN THE TRUNK!!
Posted by ladymay on 2008-08-30:
contact the nhtsa regarding the fire
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
office of defects investigation
Contact ODI * (888) 327-4236
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
office of defects investigation
Contact ODI * (888) 327-4236
Posted by Rasstea on 2008-08-30:
You spoke with customer service at Toyota? I would escalate it to a supervisor or manager at Toyota customer service. My in-laws have one and love it. They haven't had problems. I glad that your wife is safe. I carry an extinguisher, also. I've seen other vehicle on the road side on fire.
Posted by Robert G on 2008-08-30:
Even if your insurance does pay off, it will probably be for the current Blue Book value only, which drops considerably from the purchase price in the first year. If you have a Lawyer Referral service where you live, it would pay you to contact them about a legal consultation. I used our local service and was referred to a participating attorney who charged me a standard $25 fee for a consultation, with no obligation to follow up. The guidance would probably be worth the fee.
Posted by gog92071 on 2008-08-31:
thank you for your comments and suggestions, including the NHTSA link which I found intriguing. Yes, we have contacted Toyota's customer service and they merely deferred to claims.
Getting a lawyer involved has been discussed but I prefer to do that only after pursing other options.
Getting a lawyer involved has been discussed but I prefer to do that only after pursing other options.
Posted by Narg on 2008-11-24:
Typical Toyota, at least in my experience which fortunately is not as bad as yours but still bad. Sorry this happened, and glad to hear you are OK. 20 years ago Toyota was good, today it's a different story. I personally buy American now and love it. I'm looking hard at the Chevy Volt coming out early next year.
Posted by SLAN on 2009-04-16:
Posted by SLAN on 2009-04-16:
I have dealt with Toyota Corporation in the past and they will not acknowledge any defects that happen to the Toyota vehicles. Sorry to say!
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