The contact owned a 2016 BMW 320i. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it caught on fire. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact stated that while walking into the house that she noticed the fuel odor. The contact stated that after entering the residence, the contact walked back out and noticed the vehicle was on fire. The contact noticed the fire coming from the engine hood. The fire department was called. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle and the items in the vehicle were consumed in the fire. The contact stated that the garage, which was attached to the contact's residence, and the items in the garage were consumed in the fire. In addition, the contact stated that the contact's residence was filtered with smoke. The contact stated that, because of the smoke in the contact's residence, the contact was residing in a local hotel. The fire department and the investigator mentioned that the origin of the fire was the engine. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. The contact stated that the vehicle was consumed but the flames. No injuries were sustained. A fire report was filed. No police report was filed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was offered financial assistance if the contact agreed to purchase a new certified vehicle. The contact declined, and the case was closed. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — Office of Defects Investigation