SaferProducts incident

Failure type

Fire / ignition

Incident narrative

SaferProducts.gov consumer incident report 20251021-E08C2-2147326917. Severity: Injury, First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional. Product: WLToys WLtoys 124016 Brushless RC Car (1:12 scale, 2.4GHz (WLtoys 124016 1:12 scale brushless remote control car, 4WD high-speed off-road buggy with two rechargeable lithium battery packs. Sold on Temu (Whaleco Inc.) and advertised as having a 60-amp ESC (electronic speed controller), but shipped in packaging labeled 45A. Product includes motor, ESC, receiver, servo, and aluminum frame components.). Incident: This WLtoys 124016 RC car was purchased through Temu in early 2025. The product was advertised as having a 60A electronic speed controller (ESC), but both received units were labeled 45A on the packaging a clear case of false advertising and possible electrical underspecification. On the second use, while inserting the stock battery (fully charged via included charger), the vehicle spontaneously ignited, producing heavy smoke and visible flames from the battery and internal wiring compartment. The Li-ion battery pack exploded, and the internal wiring melted and scorched the ESC, chassis, and body shell. No modifications were made to the product this occurred under normal use, on a clean surface, with factory components. The fire posed a serious risk of injury and property damage. The incident was immediately extinguished outdoors, and photos were taken for evidence. Temu customer service was notified and opened a legal escalation ticket. I was told to contact the manufacturer directly, but WLtoys provides no public contact or warranty process for U.S. consumers. The fire appears directly related to electrical misrating and product mislabeling (advertised 60A ESC but shipped 45A), consistent with a power overload or defective ESC wiring.