How often do cars catch on fire after crashing

In the United States, post‑crash vehicle fires are rare—on the order of roughly one in 1,000 police‑reported crashes (about 0.1%). Fire service data indicate that only about 3–4% of all highway vehicle fires are caused by collisions or rollovers, translating to an estimated 5,000–8,000 crash‑related vehicle fires per year. However, when fires do occur in severe crashes, they are disproportionately deadly and appear in roughly 2–3% of fatal crashes. This article explains where those figures come from, why the risk varies, and how modern vehicle design affects the likelihood of a fire after a collision.

What the data shows

Multiple U.S. datasets provide a consistent picture. Fire incident statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) describe how many highway vehicle fires occur and what causes them. Crash counts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) allow us to estimate how often a crash results in a fire.

• Scale of vehicle fires: U.S. fire departments respond to on the order of 170,000–200,000 highway vehicle fires annually in recent years (NFPA/USFA).
• Share tied to crashes: Collisions or rollovers account for only about 3–4% of those highway vehicle fires—most fires stem from mechanical/electrical failures unrelated to a crash (NFPA/USFA topical reports).
• Implied count of post‑crash fires: Applying that 3–4% to the national total yields approximately 5,000–8,000 crash‑related vehicle fires per year.
• Rate per crash: With about 6.1 million police‑reported crashes in 2022 (NHTSA), that implies roughly 0.08%–0.13% of reported crashes involve a fire—about one in 800 to one in 1,300 crashes, commonly summarized as “around one in 1,000.”
• Fatal‑crash context: Historical analyses of NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) show fires in roughly 2–3% of fatal crashes. While infrequent, these events account for a disproportionate share of vehicle‑fire fatalities because high‑energy impacts both ignite and trap occupants.

Taken together, the datasets show that post‑crash fires are uncommon across all crashes but are more visible in the most severe collisions, where energy levels and damage are highest.

Why some crashes lead to fires

Most crashes do not compromise fuel or high‑voltage systems. Fires tend to occur when the impact is severe enough to damage energy systems or ignite nearby combustibles, and when there is sufficient oxygen and heat to sustain combustion.

• High‑energy impacts: High‑speed crashes and rollovers increase the chance of rupturing fuel lines, tanks, or battery enclosures and of creating ignition sources (sparks, hot surfaces).
• Fuel system breaches: For gasoline and diesel vehicles, leaks plus ignition sources (electrical arcs, hot exhaust components) drive most post‑crash fires.
• Electrical faults: Damaged wiring, short circuits, or overheated components can ignite plastics and insulation.
• Vehicle age and condition: Older or poorly maintained vehicles may have degraded fuel hoses, corroded lines, or aftermarket modifications that elevate risk.
• Battery electric vehicles (BEVs): Severe structural intrusion can, in rare cases, trigger thermal runaway in cells. Modern BEVs use crash sensors, pyrofuses, and reinforced enclosures to isolate packs after a crash, but delayed ignition can occur if a pack was significantly damaged.
• Post‑impact factors: Leaking fluids, trapped heat, and continued shorting can cause a delay—fires may start minutes to hours after the initial collision in some cases.

Because these factors usually require both significant structural damage and an ignition source, the vast majority of crashes do not progress to fire.

Trends and vehicle type differences

Overall vehicle fire rates have declined over the past two decades, reflecting improved crashworthiness, stricter fuel‑system integrity standards, and better electrical design. Gasoline and diesel vehicles account for the vast majority of highway vehicle fires simply because they dominate the fleet and carry combustible fuel. For BEVs, post‑crash fire incidence appears very low in public datasets; safety measures such as high‑voltage cutoffs and rigid battery enclosures reduce risk, though fire suppression can be more complex if a pack is compromised. Hybrids carry both fuel and high‑voltage systems and are engineered with layered protections similar to BEVs plus conventional fuel safeguards.

What to do after a crash to reduce fire risk

While the chance of a fire is small, taking a few precautions after a crash can lower risk further and improve safety for occupants and responders.

• If safe and you are able, turn off the ignition and put the vehicle in park to stop fuel pumping and reduce electrical load; for EVs/hybrids, follow the manufacturer’s shutdown instructions if accessible.
• Exit the vehicle quickly if you smell fuel, see smoke, or notice sparking. Move everyone at least 100 feet upwind and uphill if possible.
• Do not open the hood if smoke is present—introducing oxygen can accelerate a fire.
• Call emergency services and inform them of any leaks, smoke, or that the vehicle is electric or hybrid.
• For EVs involved in a severe crash, avoid touching high‑voltage orange cables or damaged battery areas; delayed ignition is possible, so keep the vehicle isolated if advised by responders.

These steps prioritize life safety and give firefighters clear information to manage any emerging hazards.

Methodology and caveats

Estimates above combine fire‑incident data (NFPA/USFA) with national crash totals (NHTSA). Not all vehicle fires are reported to fire departments, and not all crashes are police‑reported, so ranges are provided. Definitions also matter: some datasets classify “vehicle fires” broadly, while others specify “highway vehicle fires” or differentiate causes such as mechanical failure versus collision. International rates may differ based on fleet age, road speeds, and safety standards.

Sources

The following organizations and reports underpin the figures and context summarized here.

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Highway Vehicle Fires reports (e.g., analyses of causes showing collisions/rollovers as a small share but with a high fatality proportion).
• U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), Topical Fire Report Series: Highway Vehicle Fires (covering 2018–2020), including causal breakdowns and fatality patterns.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Traffic Safety Facts and annual crash totals (e.g., approximately 6.1 million police‑reported crashes in 2022), and historical FARS analyses indicating fire presence in about 2–3% of fatal crashes.
• Automaker safety documentation and SAE technical papers describing fuel‑system integrity standards, automatic fuel pump cutoffs, and high‑voltage battery isolation via pyrofuses and contactors.

These sources are regularly updated and broadly consistent in indicating that post‑crash fires are rare events relative to the overall number of crashes.

Summary

Cars catch fire after a crash infrequently—roughly around one in 1,000 police‑reported crashes in the U.S., or about 5,000–8,000 incidents per year—representing only 3–4% of all highway vehicle fires. While uncommon, fires appear more often in the most severe crashes and carry elevated fatality risk. Modern vehicles incorporate multiple protections that continue to push the risk downward across gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric powertrains.

What part of a car is most likely to catch fire?

1: Fuel System Leaks. Leaks in the fuel system are the most common cause of vehicle fires, so that’s why they take the top spot on our list. A fuel system leak is really dangerous.

How rare is it for a car to catch on fire?

Car fires are rare, but not uncommon; the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates about 215,000 vehicle fires annually in the U.S., representing a roughly 0.04% annual chance of fire for a vehicle on the road. The main causes are mechanical failures (44%) and electrical malfunctions (32%), which ignite flammable liquids, fumes, or other materials under the hood or in the vehicle.
 
Statistics

• Frequency: The NFPA reports over 200,000 vehicle fires annually in the U.S. 
• Likelihood: Given millions of registered vehicles, the chance of any single vehicle catching fire is very low. 

Common Causes

• Mechanical Failures: A leading cause, including issues with engine oil levels, overheating brakes, and other engine or component failures. 
• Electrical Malfunctions: Cracked or damaged wiring, short circuits, and other issues with the vehicle’s electrical system. 
• Flammable Liquids: Gasoline, diesel fuel, and other fluids can catch fire if their containers, hoses, or lines are damaged. 
• Fume Ignition: Accumulation of flammable vapors that can be ignited by a spark or hot surface. 
• Wear and Tear: Age and poor maintenance can lead to various issues that increase fire risk. 
• Design Flaws: Defects from the manufacturer can also contribute to vehicle fires. 

Prevention Tips

• Regular Maintenance: Follow your car’s recommended maintenance schedule to catch potential issues early. 
• Professional Inspections: Have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic for any signs of leaks or electrical problems. 
• Keep it Clean: Don’t store flammable materials like rags or paper towels under the hood, as they can ignite. 
• Be Aware of Recalls: Stay informed about safety recalls, as they often relate to defects that can increase the risk of fire. 

Do cars catch fire when they crash?

Yes, cars can catch fire after a crash due to factors like ruptured fuel tanks, damaged electrical systems, leaking fluids, or overheating engine components igniting flammable materials. However, car fires during accidents are uncommon, as modern vehicles are equipped with safety features like crumple zones to protect internal components, making such incidents rare, though still possible.
 
Why Cars Catch Fire in Crashes

• Fuel and Oil Leaks: Opens in new tabViolent impacts can rupture the fuel tank or lines, allowing highly flammable gasoline or oil to leak out and be ignited by sparks or a hot exhaust system. 
• Damaged Electrical Systems: Opens in new tabA compromised electrical system can short-circuit, creating sparks that ignite fuel or other combustible materials. 
• Engine Overheating: Opens in new tabDamage to an engine can lead to leaking fluids on hot surfaces, like the exhaust manifold, which can then catch fire. 
• Damaged Components: Opens in new tabA crash can also damage other hot engine components or create friction, leading to potential ignition. 
• Existing Hazards: Opens in new tabPre-existing issues, such as spilled oil, gas cans, or even certain manufacturing or design defects that weaken critical components, can increase the risk of fire in a crash. 

How Often Do They Happen?

• Uncommon in Serious Collisions: Opens in new tabThe chances of a car catching fire in a serious collision are generally considered to be less than 1%, according to brainly.com. 
• More Common for Other Reasons: Opens in new tabA significant portion of car fires (around 5% or more) are not caused by crashes but by electrical problems, maintenance issues, or mechanical failures. 

Modern Safety Features

• Crumple Zones: Opens in new tabModern vehicles are designed with crumple zones that absorb impact, protecting the engine, fuel tank, and other sensitive areas from severe damage. 
• Plastic Fuel Tanks: Opens in new tabMany modern cars have plastic fuel tanks, which are harder to ignite from a spark compared to older metal tanks, further reducing fire risk. 

What are the odds of a car catching on fire in a collision?

That means roughly 5,220 crashes end in car fires or 0.0949% of all car crashes result in fire.