The contact's son-in-law owned a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his son-in-law was driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle cut in front of his vehicle. The brake pedal was depressed to stop the vehicle, and the check engine warning light illuminated. There was smoke coming from underneath the hood, and then flames came from the front end of the vehicle. The son-in-law pulled over on the side of the road and safely exited the vehicle. No medical attention was received. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.