'Just Said Check Engine:' Woman's 2021 Toyota Camry Sits Idle for 8 Days. Then It Bursts Into Flames 15 Minutes Into Driving

• Toyota

After a vacation, a woman got into her 2021 Toyota Camry and started driving. Then, 15 minutes later, the Camry went up in flames like it was a scene from a movie. Now people want to know why—and if this could happen to them.

The incident has also sparked discussions about vehicle maintenance and the unpredictability of mechanical failures.

Many observers are just glad no one was hurt.

Toyota Camry Catches Fire

In a video with more than 21,000 views, content creator Jahnae (@jahblasian) documents her 2021 Toyota Camry catching fire during what should have been a normal drive.

In the video, Jahnae explains that she had just returned from vacation and decided to take her car out after it had been sitting idle for eight days.

"Got back from vacation, hopped in my car, and not even 15 minutes into the drive the engine light came on and smoke poured in," Jahnae writes in her caption. 

She emphasizes that there was "no warning when I started the car" and noted that the vehicle "had all her maintenance done."

In the video, you can see the car is parked on the side of the road with flames engulfing the entire front of the car. Other cars are meekly passing by, likely scared of getting close to the fire. Those were probably imagining the vehicle exploding. 

Jahnae expressed disbelief at the sudden failure, repeating that the only warning she got was her check engine light turning on.

Jahnae has yet to post a follow-up video, but in a comment she shared that when the police arrived, they assumed rats got into the vehicle and chewed the wires. 

Do Cars Explode Like That?

Despite dramatic Hollywood portrayals, cars are extremely unlikely to explode the way they do in action movies. True car explosions only occur in very specific circumstances, such as when a vehicle is carrying explosive materials like propane tanks or has been rigged with an explosive device, Policy Genius explains.

The reality is that cars are far more likely to catch fire than explode.

Even then, vehicle fires have become increasingly rare due to improved safety standards and manufacturing processes. While any car fire is serious and requires immediate evacuation and emergency response, the explosive fireballs seen in movies are mostly fiction.

Warning Signs and Prevention

Car fires rarely happen without warning signs. Drivers should watch for several key indicators that their vehicle might be at risk, including:

• Sparks,
• Leaking oil or fuel,
• Blown fuses,
• Dysfunctional electrical systems,
• Smoke from the engine,
• Rapid changes in fluid levels, or
• Overheating exhaust or engine temperatures.

If any of these warning signs appear, experts recommend immediately pulling over, turning off the vehicle, evacuating all passengers, and calling for help.

For vehicles that have been sitting idle for extended periods, like Jahnae's Toyota Camry, it's particularly important to monitor for unusual sounds, smells, or dashboard warnings during the first few drives after restarting.

Car fires might not make headlines as often as house fires, but they're surprisingly common and deadly, according to the National Fire Protection Association. 

Between 2018 and 2022, they accounted for approximately 16% of all fire incidents in the United States. What's more concerning is how lethal these fires can be. They cause more civilian deaths than fires in office buildings or apartment complexes. Only house fires in single-family homes are deadlier.

Given how dangerous car fires are, people were naturally relieved that Jahnae escaped unscathed.

“Thank GOD you are alright… praise him,” one wrote

“Happened to someone I know but she literally had no oil in the car,” a second said.

“This is why old vehicles will reign supreme,” wrote another.

Motor1 reached out to Jahnae for comment via TikTok direct message and comment. We’ll update this if she responds.