Which cars are most likely to catch fire?

The cars most likely to catch fire are older gasoline vehicles with fuel or electrical problems and hybrids that combine an internal-combustion engine with high-voltage batteries—especially when they have open fire-related recalls—while, per vehicle, modern battery-electric cars have the lowest observed fire incidence. In practice, the biggest single predictor is whether a vehicle has an unresolved safety recall or maintenance issue; age, usage, and modifications also matter. Below is what current data, recent recalls, and safety experts indicate in 2025, plus steps to reduce your risk and check your car.

What the data shows in 2025

Fire investigators, insurers, and safety agencies consistently find that the vast majority of vehicle fires originate in conventional gasoline or diesel powertrains due to mechanical or electrical failures. Hybrids can face elevated risk because they add high-voltage systems atop a traditional engine bay. Multiple national datasets and insurer analyses in the U.S. and Europe report that, normalized by fleet size, battery-electric vehicles (EVs) show lower fire rates than internal-combustion cars; when EV battery fires do occur, they tend to be harder to extinguish and draw outsized attention. The precise rates vary by methodology and region, but the hierarchy—hybrids highest, then gasoline/diesel, then EVs lowest—has remained broadly consistent in recent years. Regardless of powertrain, unresolved recalls and poor maintenance are the most actionable risk factors for owners.

Vehicle types and relative risk

The following list explains how major powertrain types compare in terms of fire likelihood, based on patterns seen in investigations, insurer loss data, and public safety reports through 2024–2025. Specific risk always depends on the model, its condition, and whether recalls have been completed.

• Hybrids (non-plug-in and plug-in): Often show the highest relative fire incidence because they combine traditional fuel systems with high-voltage batteries and complex power electronics. Failures in either system—or their cooling and wiring—can start under-hood fires. Several prominent hybrid recalls since 2020 have involved park-outside advisories.
• Gasoline and diesel vehicles: Account for the overwhelming majority of U.S. vehicle fires simply because they dominate the fleet. Common triggers include fuel and oil leaks, overheating, electrical shorts (alternators, battery cables, ABS modules), and degraded components in older vehicles.
• Battery-electric vehicles (EVs): Typically show the lowest fire incidence per registered vehicle. However, defective cells or damage from severe crashes can lead to thermal runaway, which requires specialized firefighting response. When recalls address identified battery defects, risk drops significantly once remedies are performed.
• Any vehicle with open fire-related recalls or flood damage: Regardless of powertrain, unrepaired recalls, aftermarket wiring, and water intrusion/corrosion substantially raise fire risk—even when the vehicle is parked and switched off.

These categories are directional rather than absolute. A well-maintained gasoline car with no open recalls can be lower risk than a poorly maintained hybrid; conversely, an EV with a known battery defect is riskier until repaired.

Recent models with fire-related recalls or warnings

Below are notable examples from the past few years. This list is not exhaustive and remedies may now be available; always verify your specific VIN using official tools.

• Hyundai and Kia (multiple models, various years): Repeated “park outside” recalls for potential engine-compartment fires linked to ABS/HECU modules and related electrical shorts; some can occur even with the vehicle off. Owners have been instructed to park away from structures until repairs are done.
• Ford Escape, Maverick, and Lincoln Corsair hybrids/PHEVs (primarily 2020–2023): Recalls for potential under-hood fires following engine failures that could leak flammable fluids onto hot surfaces; advisories included parking outside and avoiding extended idling until fixes.
• Chevrolet Bolt EV (2017–2022): Battery recall to address rare manufacturing defects that could cause thermal events; GM replaced or repaired battery packs. Owners should confirm their vehicle received the final remedy.
• Toyota RAV4 (2013–2018): Recall addressing a risk that the 12-volt battery’s terminal could short against the hold-down clamp, potentially causing a fire. Dealers provide revised hardware and inspections.
• BMW (various models, including certain 3 Series and others): Recalls for PCV heater and blower wiring issues that could overheat and lead to under-hood or cabin fires; some campaigns expanded in recent years to additional VIN ranges.
• Stellantis: Jeep Cherokee (2014–2016) recalled for potential power-liftgate module water intrusion leading to fires; Ram heavy-duty diesels (select years) addressed intake/grid heater relay issues that could overheat.
• Other hybrids and PHEVs in Europe and North America: Several campaigns since 2020 have focused on high-voltage battery control, charging components, or coolant leaks contacting hot parts, with temporary park-outside guidance.

If your vehicle resembles any of the above by model and year, treat it as a prompt to check recall status immediately; completion rates vary, and many vehicles change hands without repairs.

Common causes and warning signs

These are the patterns technicians and investigators most often see before a vehicle fire, regardless of make or powertrain. Recognizing them early can prevent a serious incident.

• Fluid leaks: The smell of gasoline, visible oil drips, or coolant hitting hot parts can ignite in the engine bay.
• Electrical faults: Flickering lights, repeatedly blown fuses, burning-plastic odors, or warm battery/alternator cables point to shorts or overcurrent.
• Overheating: Temperature warnings, steam, or melted insulation indicate heat buildup near potential ignition sources.
• Aftermarket wiring and accessories: Non-fused or poorly crimped connections for audio, lighting, remote starters, or inverters are frequent fire origins.
• Charging equipment issues (EVs/PHEVs): Damaged cables, corroded connectors, or using non-compliant adapters can overheat; always use certified equipment.
• Water intrusion/corrosion: Flood or storm exposure accelerates electrical shorts months later, especially in modules mounted low in the vehicle.

Addressing these early—before they escalate—remains the single most effective way to avoid a vehicle fire.

How to reduce your risk

These practical steps lower the odds of a fire and limit damage if one starts. They apply to all vehicles, with a few powertrain-specific notes.

• Check for open recalls and service campaigns regularly, especially on used cars and after moving or changing addresses.
• Fix leaks and electrical issues immediately; replace cracked fuel lines, worn hoses, and corroded connectors.
• Use quality parts and proper fusing for any aftermarket electronics; avoid overloading 12V outlets.
• Keep the engine bay clear: Remove leaf debris, rodent nests, and wipe spilled oil after service.
• For hybrids/EVs: Use manufacturer-approved charging equipment on dedicated circuits; inspect charging cables and receptacles for heat damage.
• Heed “park outside” guidance in any recall until the remedy is performed.
• After flood exposure or a collision, have a qualified shop inspect high-voltage and fuel systems before returning to normal use.

Combining recall compliance with attentive maintenance addresses the root causes behind most vehicle fires reported each year.

How to check your car’s recall status

Use official tools to verify whether your exact vehicle has an open fire-related recall and to schedule a free repair. The process takes minutes.

1. Find your VIN (17 characters) on the dashboard near the windshield or on your registration/insurance card.
2. Enter it at the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall lookup: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls (or your country’s equivalent).
3. Review “open” recalls and service campaigns; note any “park outside” or “do not charge” advisories.
4. Call a franchised dealer for your brand to confirm parts availability and book the repair; recall fixes are free.
5. After service, keep documentation and re-check the VIN in a week to ensure the system shows the remedy as completed.

Re-running this check after buying a used car, moving states, or receiving a recall notice helps catch issues that slip through mailing lists.

What to do if a fire starts

If you suspect a fire—smoke, burning smell, popping from the engine bay—act quickly and prioritize safety. The steps below reflect guidance from fire authorities.

1. Signal, pull over, and shut off the vehicle immediately; move passengers away and upwind.
2. Call emergency services and state you suspect a vehicle fire; mention if the car is a hybrid or EV.
3. Do not open the hood; introducing oxygen can intensify flames. Use an extinguisher only if trained and the fire is very small.
4. Keep a safe distance; for EV/hybrid incidents, responders may need extended cooling time even after flames are out.
5. Arrange towing to a qualified facility; for high-voltage vehicles, follow manufacturer guidance on post-fire or post-immersion handling.

Fast evacuation and clear communication with responders minimize injuries and property damage and speed a safe resolution.

Why the question is tricky

“Most likely to catch fire” depends on exposure (how many of each type are on the road), age and maintenance, and whether data counts only non-crash fires or includes post-collision events. Insurance and fire service datasets can define categories differently, and EV fleets are newer on average, which lowers their baseline risk. That’s why experts focus on specific defects, recalls, and condition—not just powertrain labels—when assessing real-world fire likelihood.

Bottom line

In 2025, hybrids and older gasoline vehicles with unresolved safety defects are most likely to catch fire; battery-electric vehicles are least likely per registered vehicle, though their rare battery fires can be harder to extinguish. Whatever you drive, the greatest lever for reducing risk is simple: fix leaks and electrical faults promptly and complete recall repairs—especially when a campaign instructs you to park outside until serviced.

Summary

Cars at highest fire risk are those with open fire-related recalls and poor maintenance, particularly hybrids and aging gasoline models; EVs generally show the lowest per-vehicle fire incidence. Check your VIN for recalls, repair leaks and electrical issues promptly, use proper charging and wiring practices, and follow any park-outside advisories until fixes are completed.