While driving at 60 mph, vehicle began to lose power and lurch. Shortly after, smoke began to appear from center console and HVAC ducts as engine stopped running. Vehicle was safely maneuvered onto shoulder and stopped; by then heavy smoke was pouring from center console area and HVAC vents. Driver bailed out and watched from the side of the road as interior completely filled with smoke. Vehicle was towed to mechanic, subsequent examination determined underbody sound dampening mat had been ignited by overheated catalytic converter. Burning underbody mat subsequently caused extensive thermal damage to center console, carpet, and HVAC ducts inside console. Root cause of catalytic converter overheating was attributed by dealer mechanic to possible intermittent connection of coil wire, allowing excessively rich fuel/air mixture to be passed to catalytic converter.

- Arlington Heights, IL, USA

Oil and engine light came on. Pulled over to check oil, and oil was very low. Had just changed oil two weeks ago. Consumer noticed a loud noise coming from under engine when accelerating, but not at all times. Another time while driving on parkway vehicle died, consumer came close to having an accident. Dealer said ignition coil went bad. The engine light came on because oil and filter were not changed regularly. The catalytic convertor was damaged but the dealer could not fix it due to national back order.

- Runnemede, NJ, USA