Surge in “Park-Outside” Recalls Highlights Ongoing Fire Risk in Modern Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that more than 1.5 million vehicles have been recalled in 2026 because they can ignite while turned off, prompting “park outside” warnings. The alerts require owners to keep the vehicle away from other cars or structures until a repair is available.

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“Park-outside” recalls target “key-off fires,” a hazard that has grown as vehicles incorporate more electronics and high-voltage battery systems. NHTSA created the designation to flag defects that pose a fire danger even when the engine is not running. Carfax estimates that 3.2 million U.S. vehicles currently carry an outstanding “park-outside” recall, many without a defined repair timeline.

3.2 Million Vehicles Carry an Outstanding “Park Outside” Recall: Cars Can Burst Into Flames

• Jeep Gladiators and Wrangler models (2021-2025): Stellantis recalled 1,076,999 units after at least 51 fires, one causing injury, citing an electrical wiring fault in the hydraulic power-steering pump.

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• Kia Telluride (2020-2024): Kia issued a recall for 462,869 vehicles due to an overheating front-seat motor, acknowledging seven seat-fire incidents and 11 motor-melting cases.

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• Other models: Recalls have also affected certain BMW 530e xDrive, Hyundai Santa Fe (2022) and other Jeep variants.

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• Recall frequency: NHTSA issued 10 “park-outside” recalls in 2024, 19 in 2025, and 17 between January 1 and July 31 of 2026.

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Stellantis said it expects a solution by July. Kia confirmed awareness of the seat-motor issues and is developing a fix. Former NHTSA investigator Frank Borris explained that “the engine is off, but the circuits are still hot, and they stay hot all the time,” highlighting the technical cause of the fires. Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, called the increased notifications “encouraging” because manufacturers are alerting owners before repairs become available.

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• “The engine is off, but the circuits are still hot, and they stay hot all the time,” — Frank Borris — Frank Borris

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