Smoke, then fire: Uber knowingly leased unsafe cars to drivers

Chasing breakneck growth, the ride-hailing giant bought Honda SUVs in Singapore subject to a recall

Uber driver Koh Seng Tian had just dropped off a passenger in a residential neighbourhood in Singapore when he smelled smoke in his Honda Vezel sport-utility vehicle. Flames burst from the dashboard, melting the interior and cracking a football-sized hole in his windshield.
 
Mr. Koh walked away unhurt, according to the accident report filed with authorities. But the fire this January caused panic at Uber Technologies Inc.
 
The ride-hailing company had rented the Vezel to Mr. Koh after Honda Motor Co. recalled the model in April 2016 for an electrical component that could overheat and catch fire.