TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY ANOTHER DRIVER THAT SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE FLAMES WERE SEEN FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN THE CONTACT MOVED AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE IT EXPLODED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000. RK