TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, A LOUD POPPING SOUND WAS HEARD AND SMOKE AND FLAMES APPEARED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.