2008 Toyota Avalon: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Jul 31, 2018 · Electrical · DE

July 30, 2018 while in parking space I turned on ignition and heard a mild pop, the looking towards passenger seat I saw white smoke rising between chair and window and smoke coming from under seat. It smelled as if doming was burning. I turned ignition off. Smoke stopped. I did not see anything under the chair. I checked movement of chair and it was ok. I called toyota: no idea of cause and claimed no recalls. I mentioned what I saw on line, to no avail. I observed 6/2/2016 recall: 16v396000 and 11/19/2014 # 14v743000. I would like these heating wires on both sides to be disconnected to prevent possible fire while driving. Thank you

Filed Jan 13, 2015 · Seats · 50,000 miles · TX

I was reading your recall notice 14v‑743 I called my toyota service dept and they said this only applied to vehicles that went thru the southeast toyota distributors, I believe mine went through gulf states toyota in houston. My wife noticed a burning smell when I used my seat heaters so I have quit using them. Would this problem apply to all cars listed in the southeast toyota bulletin or only cars that went thru their facility?

Filed Dec 2, 2011 · Electrical, Lights · TX · fire

Idling in the driveway with the high beams illuminated, we heard what seemed like a firework or small arms fire. Moments later the vehicle was on fire. We extinguished the fire and disconnected the battery cables. The vehicle was towed in to the local toyota body shop where it was examined, diagnosed, & repaired. The drivers side headlight lens, bumper cover, & cowling were replaced due to melting and fire damage, the wiring harness was inspected and repaired(it had been determined it hadn't been damaged other than inspection) all parts were reserved for my inspection. I had been told the high beam had worked itself loose & caused the fire. This did not happen!!! The bulb had exploded in the housing, minute pieces of glass were inside the headlight housing, & the only damage to it was external charring. I have stored the lens for inspection, proving the explosion theory. I thank the lord we were not driving at the time or the vehicle would have burned to a crisp. We received a form letter from toyota a "warranty enhancement notice" concerning certain 2008- 2010 avalon's high beam drl bulbs. Obviously they have had other issues as they have offered reimbursement if we have had any repairs paid for "out of pocket" this bulb exploded.....it caused a fire in the engine compartment, its only by the grace of god that we were idling in a driveway near a water source, and I have had fire safety training. I have since purchased a large extinguisher and carry it it the vehicle. We are very anxious & cautious driving the vehicle now.

Filed Sep 30, 2010 · Acceleration, Engine · 29,836 miles · MO · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 toyota avalon. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, he heard a noise and pulled over when the vehicle engine suddenly caught fire between the firewall and the rear of the engine. The contact extinguished the fire. The service manager and district manager inspected the vehicle and found holes in the engine block. The vehicle was included in recall 10v017000 (accelerator pedal) and was repaired at the dealer. The vehicle had also previously been repaired according to the federal safety agency item number (10032630) engine and engine cooling, oil supply hose. The vehicle was at the dealer awaiting repair at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was 29,836. Updated 12/30/10 *bf upadted 01/07/11

Filed Jan 27, 2010 · Electrical · 46,000 miles · TX · fire · 1 injury

I owned a 2008 avolan. It caught fire dec. 7 2009 and burned up. I thought I needed to report this to someone. I don't want this to happen to someone else, and the result could be death. I got hurt bad but I am better now.