2008 Toyota Prius: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Oct 27, 2017 · Body, Electrical · 60,000 miles · IL · crash · fire · 1 injury

Toyota prius (2008) - fire after minor accident (battery fire) after a fairly standard rear end collision (25-30 MPH), my toyota prius caught fire and burst into flames. I was stopped at a red light on a city street in chicago, il when the accident occurred, my vehicle was not in motion. Within minutes of impact (to right rear of car), the responding police officer saw fire under the car (began in rear) and the fire dept was called. The fire travelled to the front of the car and the car has been deemed a total loss. The police and tow company believe this was caused by the prius battery and these cars are very unsafe to be on the road with this condition. There has been no related recall on this vehicle, but it's incredibly unsafe and I'm very happy I was not traveling with my children at time of accident. I appreciate you taking time to review this case and taking steps to ensure toyota addresses the issues with the prius vehicles. I've attached the police report and photos of the car fire (I also have video of the fire, but the file is too large to attach on this submission - available upon request). No major injuries - I experienced soreness / headaches from impact/whiplash and saw my doctor following accident (no major injury). Please review and let me know if I can provide anything else / answer any questions. Thank you in advance! [xxx] ('parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).')

Filed Aug 10, 2010 · Acceleration, Brakes · NY · fire

2008 toyota prius with unintended acceleration. *kb an inspection was performed on the vehicle. According to the dealer, the front and rear brakes were completely worn, the rotors were also worn and were in need of replacement. The brake fluid was within normal limits and there was a fluid leak from the impact damage. The accelerator pedal was in good condition and moved freely with no binding or sticking. The drivers side floor mat was an aftermarket all weather mat, not properly secured. It was positioned forward where it could interfere with the accelerator. According to the letter the brakes caught on fire and a motorist extinguished the fire. *jb updated 12/30/10 *bf updated 01/07/11

Filed Jun 18, 2010 · Acceleration · 22,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota prius. While braking from a speed of 40 MPH, the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The contact drove the vehicle off the roadway but was unable to stop the acceleration although he was depressing the brakes. The vehicle proceeded for approximately 400 yards, driving over several bumps, grass and other road obstructions before the vehicle finally came to a stop. The brake warning light illuminated just as the vehicle began to decrease in speed. There was smoke coming from the brakes and the front driver's side tire blew during the failure. The police arrived to assist. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the contact was awaiting a diagnosis of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 22,000. Updated evoq 08/17/10 updated 01/14/11 *bf updated 04/01/11

Filed May 5, 2010 · Electrical · 100 miles · MI

The 2008 toyota prius has a strong smell that resembles a electrical burning smell it makes your eyes water and your cloths smell like it long after you have left the vehicle. The dealer is not sure where it is coming from. There are other reported claims of the same smell on the internet.

Filed Nov 13, 2009 · Acceleration · 16,368 miles · NC · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota pruis. While driving with the cruise control set at 60 MPH , the vehicle began to accelerate without intention. After repeated brake application, he was able to stop the vehicle. However there were small flames inside of the passenger and driver front wheels. The fire was extinguished. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. The technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The front brakes were replaced under the warranty. The failure mileage was 16,368. The current mileage was unknown. Updated 12/07/09. *lj the consumer stated the floor mats were not the cause of the incident. Updated 12/08/09