Maryland SUV Explodes in Driveway, Leaving Family Traumatized

A family in Maryland was awakened by the sound of exploding airbags as their SUV burst into flames in their driveway. The incident is now under investigation, and the cause is suspected to be a faulty ABS actuator pump seal.

A Maryland family's SUV spontaneously burst into flames in their driveway, leaving them shaken and traumatized. The incident occurred on May 14 around 6 a.m., and the family awoke to the sound of airbags exploding.

Vicki and Philip Hill, along with their three young children, were inside their home at the time of the fire. The SUV had been parked in their driveway, and they were relieved that it was not parked in the garage, which is adjacent to the gas line.

Video footage from the home's doorbell camera captured the terrifying moment when the SUV began smoking before bursting into flames. The fire department was called, and firefighters extinguished the blaze. However, the SUV was left as a charred shell, with glass strewn about from the explosion.

"At first, we thought someone was breaking in, and we were terrified," Vicki Hill told Fox 5 News. "When my husband told me that the vehicle was on fire and to call 911, my first priority was getting our kids out of the house."

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but the Hills suspect it may be related to the ABS actuator pump seal in the SUV's braking system. The family had previously had work done on the seal, which has been recalled by Nissan in some vehicles between 2015 and 2019 due to potential electrical problems and fire hazards. It is unclear whether the Hills' SUV was included in the recall.

The Hills have reached out to Nissan, but they were told that a technician would not be able to visit their home for six to eight weeks. Nissan released a statement saying that customer safety is their top priority and that they have opened an investigation into the incident.

The family is now left without a vehicle and is shaken by the experience. They are concerned about the potential dangers of the faulty ABS actuator pump seal and are urging Nissan to take immediate action to address the issue.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vehicle maintenance and regular inspections. It is crucial to address any potential safety concerns promptly to prevent catastrophic accidents or injuries.