A Maryland family experienced a harrowing incident when their 2015 Nissan Murano unexpectedly burst into flames in their driveway. Vicki and Philip Hill, residents of Bethesda, recounted the frightening event to FOX 5 DC, detailing how their SUV caught fire early in the morning on May 14.

Close Call and Quick Response

The fire began at 5:45 a.m., and the Hills were jolted awake by the explosion of the vehicle’s airbags. The garage, located next to a mudroom and a gas line, could have turned the situation catastrophic if the vehicle had been parked inside. The family’s doorbell camera footage captured the moment when smoke started emanating from under the hood, followed by flames engulfing the car.

Vicki Hill described their initial reaction, “At first, we thought someone was breaking in, and we were terrified. When my husband told me that the vehicle was on fire and to call 911, my priority was getting our kids out of the house.” The family evacuated safely and contacted emergency services. Firefighters arrived promptly and extinguished the blaze, preventing further damage to the home.

Investigation and Manufacturer’s Response

In the aftermath, the Hills awaited a response from Nissan. According to FOX 5 DC, it took about a week for the company to send technicians to inspect the site. Nissan has since opened an investigation into the incident. In a statement, the company said, “A technician has visited the Hills’ home and conducted an initial inspection before having the vehicle moved. We believe it was subject to a recall but cannot make any further comment on this specific incident until the investigation is completed.”

History of Recalls

The 2015 Nissan Murano has a documented history of recalls, some of which involve fire hazards. The most recent recall was issued on November 8, 2019, by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall was related to a potential brake fluid leak on the ABS pump, which could cause an electrical short and increase the risk of a fire. Philip Hill confirmed that their vehicle had undergone service for the ABS actuator pump. This maintenance was part of an effort to address the known issue highlighted in the recall.

A Cautionary Tale

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to vehicle recall notices and promptly addressing any maintenance issues. The Hills’ quick thinking and swift evacuation likely prevented a much more tragic outcome. As Nissan continues its investigation, the focus remains on ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future.

For now, the Hills are left to cope with the aftermath of a close call that could have had far more severe consequences. The family’s experience underscores the critical need for vehicle manufacturers to maintain stringent safety standards and for vehicle owners to remain vigilant about their car’s recall status and maintenance requirements.