NHTSA complaint: 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving the vehicle on the interstate, crossing the expansion joint on an overpass, the check engine light illuminated. Immediately following, smoke began coming from under the hood. Pulled off the side of the road to check, and flames were coming out of the car. Quickly removed what personal items that were possible while the car started becoming engulfed in flames. The car burned until the fire department arrived and put the vehicle out. While we cannot be certain, it is believed that the high voltage wiring chafed and arced leading to the fire. If it wouldn't have been possible to immediately pull to the shoulder, the car would have been engulfed while rolling and could have lead to death. The car is a total loss.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — Office of Defects Investigation