Engine Inferno: Toyota GR Corolla Owner's Terrifying Close Call Raises Safety Concerns

To be on the wheel of a burning car is something no driver expects, especially when you’re driving a very recent model of the Toyota GR Corolla. The Toyota GR Corolla, marketed as a car built on the track and ready for everyday life is a compact car with the features of a high-performance vehicle. 

This was the unfortunate reality for one driver, whose harrowing experience was shared on YouTube. In July this year, his engine suddenly blew, filling the cabin with white smoke while black smoke billowed from behind the car. As shown in the video, within less than five minutes of pulling over to the side of the road, the car's front end was engulfed in flames, even before the fire department could arrive.

According to an article posted on Motor1.com, the driver's insurance covered most of the payout for the loss. However, Toyota refused to offer any assistance. In their response letter to the driver’s claim, Toyota cited the dangers of driving over 85 mph and referenced a previous accident from February that resulted in fire damage to the front and engine compartment of the car. Toyota also mentioned the importance of having the correct tires that can drive at high speeds. The driver said that two weeks before the fire, he had the car checked at a dealership as he thought the car was not running properly. The dealership did not find any issues.

The incident raises questions of reliability even with the newer cars. While the Toyota GR Corolla is designed to handle the rigors of both track and street driving, the driver’s experience is a reminder that even the most well-engineered cars can still encounter problems. As this story continues to circulate online, it will be interesting to see if Toyota will continue its stance or how current GC Corolla owners will take precautions to avoid a similar situation.