My 2 month old Toyota Etios V car caught fire on 24th January 2013 at 5.40 AM at the parking area below my building in Mulund at Mumbai. When we saw the car at 5.40 AM , the fire was coming out from the bonnet and within minutes the intensity increased threatening the surroundings and cars parked besides.
It took me 6 fire extinguishers to contain the fire until the the Fire Brigade came in and did the rest. Moreover, the bottom of the car is intact and there are no traces of fire. Both the fog lights are burnt and one of the Headlights too. The bonnet couldn’t be opened. It is evident that the damage had started early from within and was only detected outside at 5.40 am when the flames started oozing out of the bonnet as neighbours first saw it from their balcony. The Toyota representative gave all reasons to convince us that there was no manufacturing defect in the car and that the fire could have taken place from external sources. We were also told that the fire would have started inside the car at 3-3.30 am. I have searched on the net and this is a 3rd case where ETIOS has caught fire in a parked position.
Please google " Etios on FIre" .
Toyota needs to address how and why this happened and it cannot absolve itself as "no manufacturing defect " as it means possible loss of life of those people who believe in Toyota brand but are driving this cheap built car called ETIOS. My humble request to Toyota group is to check my case and not endanger the life of people as there could be more dangerous cases and loss of life if ETIOS catches fire in a crowded locality at parked places.
Incase there are similar reviews and experinces please fell free to call me at +91 98193 69135. Meanwhile you can see the photos that I have uploaded.