NHTSA complaint: 2017 FORD EXPEDITION — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Shortly after the car was started and while still parked, a foul smell was detected and black smoke observed coming from the air vents. The vehicle was then turned off however within minutes of safely exiting all passengers from the vehicle, flames came out towards the passenger seat from underneath the glove box. An unsuccessful attempt was made to smother the flames with large wet towels before being successfully put out with the fire extinguisher. 911 was called and the fire department suspected the cause of the fire was the HVAC motor blower. The battery was disconnected and the car towed to the dealership where it has been for the past week. As of yesterday, according to the dealer, the source of the fire is thought to be a short circuit in the HVAC motor blower. The insurance is awaiting the fire report at this point.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — Office of Defects Investigation