US probes engine fires in nearly 1.9M Toyota RAV4 SUVs
DETROIT - The U.S. government is investigating complaints of engine compartment fires in nearly 1.9 million Toyota RAV4 small SUVs.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating after getting 11 fire complaints involving the 2013 through 2018 model years.
The RAV4 is the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. that isn’t a pickup truck.
In documents posted Monday, the agency says fires start on the left side of the engine compartment. A terminal on the 12-volt battery may short to the frame, causing loss of electrical power, engine stalling or a fire.
Most of the fires happened while the vehicles are being driven, but four owners complained that fire broke out with the engine off.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android
The agency says improper battery installation or front-end collision repair was a factor. NHTSA says the RAV4 has a higher number of fire complaints in the battery area than comparable vehicles.
Investigators will try to understand better what is contributing to the fires. The vehicles aren’t being recalled but the investigation could lead to one.
Featured
Kenosha police officials focus on diversity in recruiting
At a time when the number of people applying to be police officers is on the decline, the Kenosha Police Department is putting out a call for new recruits.
Featured
Jodie Foster fulfills promise to thank Packers QB at Globes
Jodie Foster thanked Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers at the Golden Globes, fulfilling a promise the actress had made before she won.