Toyota Denies Warranty For GR Corolla Fire, Claims Tires Rated Below 85 MPH
GR Corolla Engine Catches Fire on Highway
Last month, a GR Corolla experienced an engine fire while driving on a highway. The incident has raised questions about the safety and responsibility of Toyota.
Toyota Denies Responsibility, Blames Speed and Tire Conditions
Despite the engine fire, Toyota has denied any responsibility and warranty coverage for the incident. The company suggests that high-speed driving and potentially inadequate tires are to blame for the fiery incident.
Owner Seeks Answers, Support, and Potential Compensation
The owner of the GR Corolla is seeking answers, support, and potential compensation from Toyota. They are hoping for assistance with replacing the car that was destroyed in the fire.
Incident Details
In mid-June, dashcam footage captured the moment the engine of the GR Corolla erupted in flames while the owner was driving at approximately 85 mph (137 km/h) on a North Carolina highway. The driver quickly pulled over and called the fire department, but the front half of the car was already destroyed by the time they arrived.
Toyota’s Response
When the owner reached out to Toyota corporate for assistance, they received a response denying any responsibility. Toyota referenced a previous accident report and stated that the GR Corolla should not be driven over 85 mph without “high-speed capability tires.”
Questions About Tire Ratings
Toyota’s claim about tire ratings has raised questions. The GR Corolla comes from the factory with Michelin tires that are rated well above 85 mph. It is unusual for passenger vehicles to have tires rated below this speed limit.
Investigation Ongoing
The owner’s tires at the time of the incident are still being determined. Once this information is obtained, further updates will be provided.
Toyota’s Full Response
Here is Toyota’s full response to the incident:
“You reported that you were driving on a highway when you noticed the vehicle began to make a strange noise (like a rod knocking). You then noticed the oil temperature was high and the vehicle sounded a warning. You pulled over, exited the vehicle, opened the hood and saw fire at the rear of the engine. 911 was called and the fire department arrived approximately 5 minutes later to extinguish the flames.
You stated that approximately 30 days prior to the incident, you had taken the vehicle to a Toyota dealer for an oil change and a fuel issue that was repaired.
In response to your concerns, a vehicle inspection was conducted on June 24, 2024 at Copart by an EAA (Engineering Analysis Associates) fire inspector. The last reported odometer reading of the vehicle was 23,413 miles. Per the CARFAX report, on February 12, 2024, accident damage was reported to the front, the left front, the right front and the right rear.
At the time of the inspection, the vehicle had fire damage to the front and the engine compartment. The inboard side of the engine block had a small hole on the upper side from internal engine damage. Oil residue was found at the turbo charger, the bottom of the engine, the undercarriage and exhaust pipes.
The owner’s manual warns not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 85 mph unless your vehicle has high-speed capability tires. Driving over 85 mph may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.
Based on our inspection findings and the facts relating to this incident, we cannot provide any assistance in this matter.”
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how this incident will be resolved and what actions Toyota will take to address the owner’s concerns.
