2011 Toyota Prius: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed May 31, 2023 · Engine · 150,000 miles · CA · fire

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact smelled an abnormal burning odor and then heard an abnormal explosion. The contact observed black smoke coming from under the hood. The contact pulled off the road and turned the vehicle off. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact lifted the hood and saw flames coming from under the engine. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. The contact had the vehicle towed to his residence. The contact called an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that when the engine was lifted out of the engine compartment, there was a hole in the engine block. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Jun 21, 2019 · Electrical · 82,500 miles · WA · fire

We were on freeway when an odd smell was detected. There were several large trucks in the area and we passed off the smell to the trucks. A couple of miles later the passenger said, "the floor is on fire!" at this point, an abundance of smoke appeared above the dashboard on the passenger's side. We exited the freeway, found a fire extinguisher and were able to put out the fire. The local toyota dealer was informed but no action was taken. The insurance company has totaled the vehicle. We are awaiting the settlement check. We have no idea what started the fire. There were no indicators I.e. Warning lights/buzzers, etc. Prior to the fire. The area under the dashboard on the passenger's side is a charred mass. Therein a large hole at the top of the dash near where the speaker for that side is housed. *bf

Filed Dec 5, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 147,000 miles · CA · fire

As I was driving down the freeway my car filled with smoke and I realized my engine had caught fire, I was able to get out, the whole front of my car was engulfed in flames in no time

Filed Jul 4, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 36,000 miles · NY · fire

Vin # [xxx] toyota prius 2011, driving on interstate 80 east, at 65 MPH, smoke came out of the hood, headlight and wire smelled and burned, car was almost in fire. Shut off car and headlight and smoke stop. Both headlight are damage due to fire. Kept both head light off, got home and did not use the car for a few months. Car is still under warranty but dealer refuse to repair the problem, telling me I have use an aftermarket bulb. The bulb that cause the problem was the bulb that came with the car as new. I tried to tape up the burned wire to get the car safety home. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jun 25, 2014 · Electrical · 50,000 miles · OK · fire

Owner of vehicle driving to work when they observed a red glow in front of them. The owner then observed smoke from the front. The owner pulled off roadway and more smoke developed. The vehicle then caught on fire. The fire consumed the passenger compartment. A fire scene examination was performed and the origin was determined to be in the passenger side dash area where circuit boards and wiring bundles were located. The fire resulted in a total loss of the vehicle.