Carrier/rack problems of the 2009 Volkswagen Passat

While driving 2009 vw Passat wagon on I-495 south in haverhill, MA, at around 5 pm, smoke suddenly began billowing out of the vents. Driver was able to pull onto the shoulder safely (near exit 48/ mile marker 105. 6) and exit the car, which was engulfed in flames within a minute. No passengers, no injuries, no other cars were damaged. Up to this point, the car had been functioning normally. No overheating, no leaking, no warning lights, no other indication of impending fire. Massachusetts state police from the andover barracks responded (978-475-3800), as did the haverhill fire department. Charred remains of the car were towed to trombly brothers, 141 sutton st north andover, MA 01845. Of note: upon arriving home, there was a recall notice from vw in the postal mail, NHTSA number 17v509, regarding the fuel pump control module.