Moving Volvo XC90 luxury SUV catches fire: Owner and family escape burning car [Video]

Recently, the occurrence of vehicles catching fire in open areas is becoming an unfortunate trend. A few days ago, a Tata Harrier caught fire while being driven on an open road. Another incident has taken place in Meerut where a Volvo XC90 caught fire and was burned down to ashes while being driven on a highway.

A YouTube video from Prateek Singh shows a white Volvo XC90 burning on the side of the highway. According to the video presenter, the owner of the XC90, along with family members, were inside the SUV when the owner noticed smoke coming out from the engine bay while driving. Fearing a fire outbreak, the owner parked the SUV and evacuated with all of his family members.

In 2019, Volvo had recalled more than 5 lakh cars globally due to a risk of fire in the engine bay. All the affected vehicles were built between 2014 and 2019 and were powered by the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine. The XC90 comes with a problematic plastic engine intake manifold in the engine bay that could melt and ignite a fire. The symptom may include an odour.

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Car caught fire withing a few seconds

Within a few seconds, the fire beneath the bonnet became more intense, and the SUV was engulfed in flames. Despite calling the fire extinguishers, the SUV was completely burned down to ashes by the time they arrived. Fortunately, the owner and family members present in the XC90 at the time of the incident are safe and uninjured, though the vehicle was entirely damaged.

The exact cause of the fire in this Volvo XC90 is yet to be determined. As the XC90 is known to be one of the safest SUVs available, this incident is a shock. Volvo has not released an official statement yet, but it is speculated that a potential wiring system failure or a malfunctioning aftermarket accessory might have caused the fire. However, the owner has yet to confirm the presence of any such accessory or component in his car.

The XC90 is Volvo’s flagship product worldwide and is their most expensive SUV. In India, the XC90 was previously available with both petrol and diesel engine options. However, after the BS6 emissions deadline, the Volvo XC90 is now only available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, which is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine can produce a maximum power output of 300 PS and a peak torque output of 420 Nm.

Modern cars are equipped with a complex wiring system, and any short-circuiting can lead to a fire. It’s crucial to note that the use of aftermarket accessories can increase the risk of such incidents, and it’s recommended to avoid using any third-party accessories.

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