1998 Chrysler Town and Country: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Aug 14, 2012 · Fuel system · 143,000 miles · NY · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chrysler town and country. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact smelled a burning odor and then noticed flames coming from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the vehicle was included in the recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 00v268000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system) but the recall repair could not be performed because the wiring harness was melted due to a fire in the fuel rail. The manufacturer was not willing to cover the wiring harness repair due to the high mileage of the vehicle. The contact stated that the wiring harness should have been included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000. Updated 08/29/12*lj updated 08/30/2012

Filed Sep 3, 2010 · Engine, Fuel system · MN · fire · 1 injury

Engine spontaneously started on fire and fire destroyed the entire vehicle. Owner just purchased the vehicle 1 week prior to this occurring from a dealership. All of a sudden, there was smoke everywhere while driving on the interstate, and within 3-4 minutes of pulling to the side of the road due to smoke occurring, the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. The owner is 9 months pregnant, and there were 3 young children also in the vehicle when this occurred. Fire fighters told the owners that if they had continued to drive the vehicle another 100 feet, the vehicle would have blown up with all occupants still inside. The vehicle/all engine parts are completely destroyed. The pregnant owner suffered severe smoke inhalation and barely escaped fetal death due to severe smoke inhalation.

Filed Jan 25, 2005 · Engine · 78,000 miles · WI · fire

While driving 30-35 MPH the vehicle caught fire under the hood. The consumer was able to pull over until the local fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. How the fire got started was not determined.

Filed Jul 21, 2003 · Electrical · 75,000 miles · MI · fire

I just started driving my car this morning, when I noticed white smoke coming out from under the hood. None of my engine warning lights were on, and the temperature gauge was in the normal range. I pulled over and called for help, but had to get out of the car when the flames started coming out from under the hood. Entire front end of minivan was on fire, engine/battery melted, front windshield cracked/melted, hood melted. Fire department called and put out fire.

Filed May 13, 2002 · Fuel system · NY · fire

Consumer states vehicle caught fire in the engine compartment after recall campaign 00v268 relating to the fuel rail was performed. Consumer is requesting manufacturer to pay off balance of vehicle and take responsibility for the fire.

Filed Apr 22, 2002 · Fuel system · NY · fire

After recall repair on fuel injection system had been done, 4 miles later vehicle burst into flames. Vehicle was parked. Dealer notified.*ak

Filed Mar 28, 2002 · Seats · UT · fire

Driver side seat heater shorted and caught the driver's seat on fire. Our children were in the van. Fortunately my wife was present, standing outside the van and used snow to put out the fire. Not just a smolder...a very real fire with flame and smoke. The dealer told us he was checking on the situation and chrysler would call us. No-one ever called. The dealer finally, after 3 months told us no-one was going to even check into the problem he told us to let the vehicle burn up next time. We called the manufacturer. They also said they would not do anything at all and not to call again. All we want is a new seat that is not a hazard to catching my van on fire. We were lucky this time. What if my children were injured or killed? What if the van catches fire in my garage? We need help. Nlm

Filed Jan 17, 2002 · Engine · TX · fire

The insured states that vehicle caught on fire while parked, the oil had just been changed. Claim number 43-r525-857.

Filed Jan 17, 2002 · Electrical · TX · fire

The insured states that vehicle caught on fire while it was parked. The fire started with the starter. Claim number 43-r798-089.

Filed Jan 17, 2002 · Engine · IL · fire

Insured stated that after vehicle was parked smoke came out of the vehicle and engine caught on fire. Claim number 13-7057-975.

Filed Jan 17, 2002 · Engine · SC · fire

Insured stated that the vehicle caught on fire while parked. Claim number 40-2277-070.

Filed May 23, 2001 · Electrical · CA · fire

While driving consumer noticed smoke coming from engine compartment. Vehicle was towed to dealer an electrical shortage occurred within the starter, burning wiring harness. Please give any further details.