US probing engine fires in approximately 1.9M Toyota RAV4 SUVs

DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. governing administration is investigating complaints of engine compartment fires in just about 1.9 million Toyota RAV4 little SUVs.

The Countrywide Freeway Site visitors Safety Administration started investigating soon after having 11 fire complaints involving the 2013 via 2018 design decades.

The RAV4 is the major-marketing motor vehicle in the U.S. that isn’t a pickup truck.

In documents posted Monday, the company claims fires start out on the still left aspect of the motor compartment. A terminal on the 12-volt battery may well quick to the frame, triggering decline of electrical power, engine stalling or a fireplace.

Most of the fires transpired even though the motor vehicles are currently being driven, but four house owners complained that fire broke out with the motor off.

A Toyota spokesman would not response inquiries about irrespective of whether the SUVs really should be parked outside until eventually the issue is resolved, but said the firm is cooperating in the probe.

A spokeswoman for NHTSA, asked if the cars should really be parked outside simply because they could capture hearth with engines off, reported the agency is collecting additional information from Toyota “and will act accordingly dependent on what we master.”

NHTSA states incorrect battery installation or entrance-finish collision repair service was a element in the issues. The agency claims the RAV4 has a bigger number of fire issues in the battery area than similar automobiles.

Investigators will consider to fully grasp superior what is contributing to the fires. The autos aren’t currently being recalled but the investigation could guide to a single.