The actor, 53, is the former partner of the US talkshow host Ellen DeGeneres, and is known for films including Donnie Brasco, Cedar Rapids and Psycho.
Pictures and video footage obtained by US media outlet TMZ showed Heche driving a blue Mini Cooper, which was later pictured severely damaged at the scene.
The vehicle struck a two-storey home and erupted in heavy fire, according to the Los Angeles fire department (LAFD).
The LAFD also confirmed to the PA news agency that the vehicle had driven 30ft into the house but that the occupant had escaped without injury.
The house was so badly damaged it was left uninhabitable, added LAFD spokesperson Brian Humphrey.
