2023 Toyota Tacoma Electrical System

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon refueling, the fuel gauge indicated that there was 1/8 tank full, even though the fuel tank was full. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 4,700.

The owner and operator of the vehicle, stated that they were driving the vehicle on the Interstate when they noticed white smoke and ashes emanating from the steering column. They pulled into the parking lot to investigate and opened the hood to see no smoke or fire. When they returned to the passenger compartment, the smoke turned black in color, and they observed fire emanating from the steering column. I am the Lead Fire Investigator on this incident for the Edmond Fire Department. The electrical components in the area observed with fire contained electrical arc sites and melting. No other accidental heat sources were present, and natural causes and human involvement were ruled out as well. Incident number is [XXX] in Edmond, OK. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Bearing failure inside heater blower motor causing fan motor to burn out and filling the cabin with toxic electrical smoke

This Toyota Tacoma's soy based wiring attracts rodents and I have had to have repairs for the wiring. My 2 other older vehicles in the same location that does not have the soy based wiring there no problem. This is a world wide issue and no one has done nothing about. This is a safety issue that can be potentially dangerous, if some of the safety systems fail due to soy based wiring attracting rodents.