How common is it for a car to catch fire?

It’s uncommon, but not vanishingly rare: in the United States, fire departments respond to roughly 170,000–200,000 highway vehicle fires each year, according to analyses by national fire agencies. That works out to about 5–7 fires per 10,000 registered vehicles annually (roughly 1 in 1,400 to 1 in 2,000 vehicles per year). Most incidents involve older gasoline or diesel vehicles and start in the engine compartment or running gear; crash-related fires are a minority.

The numbers at a glance

Highway vehicle fires are a consistent share of emergency responses. Recent reporting periods show that vehicle fires account for around one in eight to one in ten fires handled by U.S. fire departments. With approximately 285–290 million registered vehicles in the U.S., the annual total of 170,000–200,000 incidents translates to a per-vehicle risk well under one-tenth of one percent per year. While the vast majority cause only property damage, these fires still result in hundreds of deaths and over a thousand injuries in a typical year.

International context

The risk profile is broadly similar in other high-income countries, though absolute numbers vary with fleet size and reporting practices. For example, England’s fire and rescue services have recorded on the order of the low tens of thousands of vehicle fires annually in recent years, with long-term trends generally declining from peaks seen in the early 2000s. Across regions, the leading factors remain mechanical and electrical faults, aging fleets, and poor maintenance, with collision fires representing a smaller share of events.

What typically causes a car to catch fire?

Multiple factors can trigger a vehicle fire, and investigations often identify more than one contributing element. The following list outlines the most common patterns seen by fire investigators and insurance analysts.

• Mechanical or electrical failure/malfunction: Faulty wiring, short circuits, alternator failures, and overheating components are leading causes. Fluid leaks contacting hot surfaces are a frequent accelerant.
• Area of origin: Many fires begin in the engine compartment, wheel area, or running gear, where heat and moving parts concentrate and fluids are present.
• Poor maintenance and modifications: Deferred maintenance, degraded hoses and seals, and improper aftermarket electrical add-ons increase risk.
• Collisions: Crash-related fires are a minority of incidents but can be severe, particularly when fuel systems are compromised or high-energy impacts occur.
• Arson and intentional acts: A notable share of vehicle fires are set deliberately, varying by region and reporting period.
• Hybrid and EV battery thermal events: Still rare relative to overall fleet fires; when they occur, lithium-ion battery thermal runaway can make extinguishment more complex.

In short, most vehicle fires are preventable and originate from wear, defects, or deterioration rather than from crashes or spontaneous combustion.

Are electric vehicles more likely to catch fire?

Current evidence indicates that pure battery-electric vehicles are not more likely to catch fire than internal-combustion vehicles, and in several datasets their per-vehicle or per-mile fire rates are lower. Hybrids, which combine high-voltage batteries with combustion engines, sometimes show higher fire rates than pure EVs because they carry both electrical and fuel-system risks. That said, EV battery fires, while rarer, can burn longer and may require different firefighting tactics and more water to manage thermal runaway.

Who is at higher risk?

Risk isn’t evenly distributed across the vehicle fleet. The items below highlight characteristics associated with elevated fire risk.

• Older vehicles: Aging wiring, brittle fuel lines, and accumulated wear significantly increase risk.
• Poorly maintained vehicles: Deferred repairs, oil or coolant leaks, and neglected recalls elevate the chance of ignition.
• Heavily modified vehicles: Improper electrical work or performance modifications can create hazards.
• Commercial/heavy-duty use: High mileage, heavy loads, and frequent heat cycles add stress to components.
• Hot environments: High ambient temperatures can exacerbate overheating and make small leaks more dangerous.

Addressing these factors—especially maintenance and recall compliance—meaningfully reduces a vehicle’s fire risk over time.

What to do if your car catches fire

Act quickly and prioritize personal safety. The following steps reflect guidance commonly recommended by fire authorities.

1. Pull over safely: Indicate, move to the shoulder, stop, and set the parking brake.
2. Shut it down: Turn off the ignition to stop fuel flow and electrical current.
3. Evacuate: Get everyone out immediately and move at least 100 feet (30 meters) upwind.
4. Call emergency services: Provide your location and note if the fire involves the engine, cabin, or undercarriage.
5. Do not open the hood: Introducing oxygen can intensify the fire and cause flare-ups.
6. Use an extinguisher only if safe: A Class B/C (or ABC) extinguisher can be used on a very small, incipient fire from a safe distance.
7. Warn others: Keep bystanders away and be alert for traffic.

Never attempt to fight a growing vehicle fire yourself; leave suppression to firefighters once everyone is at a safe distance.

How to reduce the risk

Prevention centers on maintenance and vigilance. These practical measures address the most common ignition pathways.

• Fix leaks promptly: Oil, fuel, and coolant leaks are major contributors when they reach hot surfaces.
• Maintain electrical systems: Repair frayed wiring, avoid overfusing, and use proper gauge wire for accessories.
• Follow recall notices: Schedule recall work as soon as possible, particularly for fuel and electrical issues.
• Watch warning signs: Burning smells, smoke, fuses that repeatedly blow, or fluctuating gauges warrant immediate inspection.
• Keep the engine bay clean: Remove debris and avoid excessive aftermarket wiring clutter.
• Carry a suitable extinguisher: An ABC-rated extinguisher, mounted securely and within reach, can stop very small fires early.

Consistent upkeep and early attention to anomalies greatly lower the odds that minor faults escalate into a fire.

Definitions and caveats

Most official statistics refer to “highway vehicle fires,” which include passenger cars, SUVs, pickups, vans, buses, and some trucks on public roads; they do not capture every incident that never reaches the fire service. Counts and rates vary slightly by agency, time window, and methodology, so ranges are provided above to reflect recent multi-year averages rather than a single-year snapshot.

Summary

Car fires are uncommon on a per-vehicle basis—on the order of 5–7 incidents per 10,000 vehicles per year in the U.S.—but they still number in the hundreds of thousands annually across large fleets. Most stem from mechanical or electrical issues in older, poorly maintained vehicles rather than from crashes. EV fires remain rarer overall but behave differently when they do occur. Diligent maintenance, prompt recall repairs, and quick action at the first sign of trouble are the most effective ways to keep the risk low.

How common are car fires?

Car fires are fortunately not a common occurance, but they do happen every day in the United States. The National Fire Protection Agency estimates that 33 cars catch on fire every hour in the United States alone.

Where do car fires usually start?

Fuel leaks are a top cause of car fires because gasoline is incredibly flammable and can quickly start a fire in the vehicle. Electrical system failure: All cars have an electrical system that runs throughout the vehicle, including in the hood, doors, and through the powered seats.

What cars are most likely to catch fire?

Hybrid vehicles currently have the highest rate of fires, with gasoline-powered cars second and electric vehicles (EVs) being the least prone to fires. Among specific models, Kias and Hyundais have a significant history of engine and electrical fires due to shared parts, while some high-end electric models like the Jaguar I-Pace have also faced fire recalls for battery issues. 
By Vehicle Type: 

• Hybrids: Opens in new tabThese vehicles have the highest reported fire rate, at approximately 3,475.5 fires per 100,000 vehicles sold.
• Gasoline Cars: Opens in new tabThese are the second most likely to catch fire, with a rate of 1,529.9 fires per 100,000 vehicles sold.
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Opens in new tabEVs have the lowest fire risk, with a rate of just 25.1 fires per 100,000 vehicles sold.

By Manufacturer/Model:

• Kias and Hyundais: These brands have a high risk due to shared parts leading to issues like engine oil leaks, faulty rod bearings, and electrical shorts. Recalls have affected millions of vehicles. 
• Specific Hybrid Models: The Hyundai Tucson and Sonata hybrids have been recalled due to issues that could cause engine fires. 
• Electric Models with Issues: The Jaguar I-Pace has had a high number of recalls for battery overheating, which can lead to fires, and owners are advised to park the vehicle away from structures. 
• Historical Examples: The Ford Pinto is infamous for a design flaw that caused its gas tank to rupture and cause fires in collisions. 

Why Hybrids are More Prone to Fires:

• The combination of a traditional gasoline engine, an electric battery, and the complex systems that manage both can lead to more potential points of failure. 
• While the exact reasons are still being studied, the high-voltage systems and the overlap of gasoline and electric components are believed to contribute to the elevated risk, according to a YouTube video. 

What would cause a vehicle to catch on fire?

Cars catch fire due to a combination of flammable fluids (like fuel or oil), an ignition source (such as a spark from a damaged electrical system or a hot exhaust), and the presence of oxygen. Major causes include faulty fuel and electrical systems, engine or exhaust overheating, and mechanical or manufacturing defects, often accelerated by a lack of proper vehicle maintenance or by accidents that damage critical components. 
Common Causes of Car Fires

• Fuel System Issues: Leaks from damaged or poorly routed fuel tanks, lines, or injectors can release flammable gasoline, which can ignite from a spark or hot surface. 
• Electrical System Failures: Exposed or damaged wiring from wear, accidents, or even rodent damage can short-circuit and create sparks, igniting fuel or other nearby materials. 
• Overheating: An engine can overheat from a lack of coolant, an engine oil leak, or a failing water pump. The exhaust system, especially the catalytic converter, can also become extremely hot and ignite flammable debris or fluids that come into contact with it. 
• Mechanical Failures: Issues with components like a faulty battery, worn hoses, or other mechanical defects can lead to leaks or sparks that start a fire. 
• Defects and Debris:
  • Design/Manufacturing Defects: Faults in a vehicle’s design or manufacturing process can create inherent risks for fire, such as faulty ground bolts or wiring issues, as seen in some recalled vehicles. 
  • Flammable Debris: Accumulation of oily rags, spilled fluids, or dry vegetation under the vehicle can increase the risk of fire if they come into contact with a heat source. 
• Accidents: Crashes can rupture fuel lines and tanks, damage electrical systems, or damage engine components, leading to leaks and sparks that can quickly ignite. 
• Poor Maintenance: A lack of regular vehicle maintenance is a frequent human-caused factor, as it contributes to the development of leaks, worn wiring, and other mechanical issues that can lead to fires. 

This video explains the common causes of car fires: 1mBig QuestionsYouTube · Mar 9, 2025
Preventing Car Fires

• Perform Regular Maintenance: Follow your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule to address issues like fluid leaks, wiring problems, and engine overheating early. 
• Check for Leaks: Be vigilant for puddles of oil, coolant, or fuel under your car, especially after an oil change. 
• Inspect Wiring: Periodically check under the hood and dashboard for any signs of cracked or damaged wiring. 
• Address Warning Lights: Pay attention to dashboard warning lights, especially those related to temperature or fuel. 
• Be Aware of Odors: Promptly investigate unusual smells, such as burning rubber or metal, which could indicate a developing fire hazard. 
• Report Recalls: Respond to manufacturer recalls for potential design or manufacturing defects that could lead to a fire.