Which cars are least likely to catch fire?

Pure battery-electric cars—especially those using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries—are least likely to catch fire, while hybrids are most likely; conventional gasoline models sit in the middle. Multiple datasets from fire agencies and insurers in North America and Europe show EVs have a notably lower incidence of fires per registered vehicle than internal-combustion cars, and hybrids top the charts because they combine high-voltage systems with combustible fuel. That said, model-specific engineering and recall history matter as much as powertrain type.

What the data show

Public safety data and insurance analyses converge on a pattern: EVs ignite less often than gasoline cars on a per-vehicle basis, and hybrids ignite more often than either. U.S. fire statistics consistently show that the overwhelming majority of highway vehicle fires involve gasoline or diesel vehicles, largely due to fuel and oil systems and aging electrical components. European datasets from countries with high EV penetration (including Norway and Sweden) also find EV fire incidence lower than that of internal-combustion cars; hybrids generally record higher rates because they have both an engine and a traction battery. Methods vary by source (per registrations, per miles traveled, or per incident type), but the direction of the trend is consistent across jurisdictions.

Vehicles and powertrains least likely to catch fire

Pure battery-electric vehicles (BEVs)

BEVs lack liquid fuel and hot exhaust systems, removing two common ignition sources. Within the EV category, battery chemistry and pack design matter: LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cells are inherently more thermally stable than nickel-based chemistries (NMC/NCA), reducing the chance of thermal runaway in abuse scenarios. Modern packs also include robust battery management, cooling, thermal fusing, and gas venting. While no vehicle is fire-proof, these factors make BEVs—particularly LFP-equipped models—the lowest-risk choice today.

The following examples illustrate mainstream EVs that use LFP batteries in some or all trims or markets, which contributes to a lower inherent thermal risk profile. Availability of LFP varies by region and model year; confirm the specific configuration with the manufacturer or window sticker.

• Tesla Model 3 RWD (recent model years globally use LFP)
• Tesla Model Y RWD (LFP in several regions; verify local spec)
• Ford Mustang Mach-E Standard Range (2023 and newer use LFP)
• Ford F-150 Lightning Standard Range (2023 and newer use LFP)
• Volvo EX30 Single Motor Standard Range (uses LFP)
• MG4/Marvel R Standard Range (LFP on certain trims/markets)
• BYD models with “Blade” batteries (e.g., Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal — widespread LFP use)

These models are examples, not an exhaustive list or a guarantee. Long-range versions of some EVs may use nickel-based chemistries; even then, EVs overall show lower fire incidence than gasoline cars, and post-2021 battery designs have steadily improved thermal safeguards.

Conventional gasoline cars with clean safety records

Among internal-combustion vehicles, newer models without patterns of fire-related recalls and with sound maintenance histories pose relatively low fire risk. Features like well-routed fuel lines, comprehensive engine-bay heat shielding, and up-to-date electrical harnesses help. Because individual engineering and recall history dominate outcomes, selecting a gasoline car with a strong reliability and recall record is more important than the badge alone.

What to avoid if fire risk is your top concern

While any vehicle can catch fire in a severe crash or due to neglect, certain categories and histories elevate risk. If minimizing fire risk is paramount, be cautious about the following patterns.

• Hybrids with unresolved recalls or known battery/electrical overheating issues, since they combine engine and high-voltage systems.
• Models with multiple fire-related recalls (for example, clusters of ABS module, fuel leak, or engine-defect recalls over many years).
• Older, high-mileage vehicles with degraded wiring, oil leaks, or aftermarket electrical add-ons installed without proper fusing.

These are risk signals, not blanket indictments; many recalled vehicles are safe once remedied. The key is to verify fixes and avoid stacking risk factors.

How to vet a specific car’s fire risk

You can materially reduce your risk by checking a vehicle’s safety history and ensuring critical fixes are in place. Use the steps below when shopping or maintaining.

1. Run the VIN through your national safety authority’s recall database (e.g., NHTSA in the U.S.) and confirm all recall remedies are completed in writing.
2. Scan technical service bulletins (TSBs) for patterns involving oil leaks, electrical shorts, charging faults, or battery cooling issues.
3. Review insurance-loss and reliability data from independent sources; look for abnormally high fire or electrical claims.
4. If choosing an EV, ask the dealer which battery chemistry your exact trim uses (LFP vs NMC/NCA) and what thermal safeguards are built in.
5. Have a qualified technician inspect for fluid leaks, chafed wiring, aftermarket add-ons, and improper fuse ratings, especially on used cars.
6. Keep software and control-module updates current; many fire-prevention calibrations arrive via updates (both for EVs and modern ICE vehicles).

Completing these checks won’t eliminate risk, but it meaningfully reduces the likelihood of an avoidable thermal incident.

Why BEVs—especially LFP—tend to be safer from fire

EV battery packs are engineered with layers of prevention and mitigation. LFP cells have a higher thermal runaway onset temperature—roughly tens of degrees Celsius higher than common nickel-based chemistries—making them more tolerant to abuse and heat. Pack-level design adds fire-resistant separators, thermal fuses, active liquid cooling, and venting paths that direct gases away from occupants. In contrast, gasoline vehicles carry a constant supply of flammable liquid and hot components; most non-crash vehicle fires begin with fuel or oil contacting hot surfaces, or with electrical shorts in aging wiring. Hybrids carry both sets of hazards, which is why they often show the highest incident rates.

What actually causes most car fires

Understanding root causes helps you choose and maintain a lower-risk vehicle. The items below summarize the most common pathways seen in investigations.

• Fuel/oil leaks contacting hot exhaust or turbo components (ICE and hybrids).
• Electrical shorts, corroded connectors, or unfused aftermarket wiring (all powertrains).
• Brake system faults (e.g., ABS modules) that can overheat or short.
• Battery failures or charging faults (rare in EVs relative to fleet size; more often a concern in specific recalled batches).
• External ignition sources: arson, wildfires, or garage fires spreading to vehicles.

Most causes are preventable with sound engineering, timely recalls, and proper maintenance—another reason to prioritize vehicles with transparent service histories and active support.

Bottom line

If minimizing fire risk is your priority, choose a modern battery-electric vehicle—ideally one with an LFP pack—verify a clean recall record, and keep software and maintenance current. For gasoline vehicles, focus on models with no fire-related recall patterns and avoid neglected, heavily modified, or leak-prone examples. Hybrids can be excellent cars, but statistically they carry the most potential ignition sources, so diligence on recalls and cooling system health is essential.

Summary

Cars least likely to catch fire are battery-electric models, with LFP-equipped EVs offering the lowest inherent thermal risk. Gasoline vehicles fall in the middle, and hybrids have the highest incidence due to combined systems. Whatever you buy, check recall status, confirm remedies, and maintain the vehicle properly—those steps have as much impact on real-world fire risk as the badge on the hood.

Which cars are least likely to catch on fire?

Electric Vehicles
Electric Vehicles Catch Fire Much Less Often Than Gas-Powered Vehicles. Electric vehicles are as safe as, or perhaps safer than, gas-powered vehicles.

Are electric or gas cars more likely to catch fire?

Conclusion: Are Electric Cars More Prone to Fires? Based on the available data and studies, electric vehicles are not more prone to catching fire than gasoline-powered cars. In fact, the statistics indicate that EVs catch fire far less frequently than gas cars.

What car kept catching fire?

Since 2010 more than 3,100 Hyundai and Kia vehicles have caught fire, injuring 103 people and killing one, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the government agency investigating both automakers. These fires may be related to an engine design.

What type of cars catch fire the most?

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.