Which cars are prone to catch fire? What recent recalls and data actually show

Cars most often linked to fire risk are those covered by safety recalls for fuel leaks, electrical shorts, or battery defects. In recent years, several Hyundai and Kia models, the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Ford Expedition/Navigator and certain Escapes/Bronco Sports, Toyota RAV4 (2013–2018), Subaru Ascent, Chrysler Pacifica Plug‑in Hybrid, Jaguar I‑Pace, Hyundai Kona Electric, Nissan Rogue (selected years), and some BMW and Audi models have faced fire-related recalls or “park outside” advisories. That said, any vehicle can catch fire after a crash or due to poor maintenance; “prone” generally means there’s a documented defect addressed by regulators and manufacturers.

How safety agencies frame “fire risk”

Regulators such as the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other global authorities track defects that can lead to thermal events. When a pattern emerges—fuel leaks, electrical shorts, or high-voltage battery issues—manufacturers issue recalls, sometimes with “park outside” guidance until repairs are completed. Most vehicle fires, however, stem from crashes or maintenance problems rather than inherent model design.

Models with notable fire-related recalls in recent years

The following are prominent examples of vehicles that, according to manufacturer notices and regulatory filings through 2024, were recalled for conditions that could lead to fires. This list highlights the issue and typical guidance; owners should confirm by VIN because model years, trims, and production ranges vary by campaign and market.

• Hyundai and Kia (multiple models and years): Several large recalls for potential engine-related fires (oil leaks/bearing damage), anti-lock brake modules or hydraulic control units that could short even when parked (“park outside” advisories), and trailer-tow wiring harness modules. Affected ranges include many 2011–2019 and 2016–2022 vehicles such as Hyundai Sonata, Santa Fe/Santa Fe Sport, Tucson, Elantra, and Kia Optima/K5, Sorento, Sportage, among others.
• Chevrolet Bolt EV (2017–2022, including Bolt EUV): High-voltage battery manufacturing defects (two rare defects in the same cell) prompted a global recall, with guidance to park outside, avoid depleting below certain levels, and software limits until battery modules were replaced.
• Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator (primarily 2021–2022): Under-hood fire risk tied to circuit issues; early recall stages advised parking outside until repair kits and revised fusing were installed.
• Ford Escape and Bronco Sport (selected 2020–2023 with 1.5L engine): Cracked fuel injectors could cause fuel leakage and possible under-hood fires; software and hardware remedies were issued.
• Ford Escape/Kuga Plug-in Hybrid (2020): Battery-related overheating concerns led to a charging stop and recall actions in some markets.
• Toyota RAV4 (2013–2018): Battery hold‑down and tray concerns could allow battery movement and shorting; Toyota recalled about 1.8 million vehicles in 2023 to address potential fire risk.
• Subaru Ascent (2019–2022): A loose ground connection under the front passenger seat could overheat and melt components, posing a fire risk; Subaru issued a “park outside” recall in late 2022 until repairs were made.
• Chrysler Pacifica Plug‑in Hybrid (2017–2018): High‑voltage battery concerns prompted “park outside” guidance and recall remedies.
• Jaguar I‑Pace (various 2019–2024 units): Battery thermal events linked to certain LG cells; Jaguar advised charging limits and rolled out module replacements and software updates.
• Hyundai Kona Electric (2019–2021): High‑voltage battery defects prompted recalls and pack replacements in multiple markets.
• Nissan Rogue (selected 2014–2016/2017–2020 ranges by campaign): Wiring harness corrosion could lead to electrical shorts and potential thermal events; Nissan issued recalls with remedies and, in some cases, “park outside” guidance.
• BMW (various models and years): Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) heater and, separately, trailer-tow module recalls that could cause electrical shorting and fire risk; “park outside” was advised in some BMW campaigns affecting older 3/5 Series and certain X models, as well as later X5/X6/X7 with trailer modules.
• Audi Q5/Q5 Sportback (selected 2021–2022): Water intrusion into an electronic control module could cause shorting and potential fire risk; Audi issued a recall with sealing and drainage fixes.

This is not an exhaustive list, and inclusion here does not mean a vehicle will catch fire—only that regulators and manufacturers identified and addressed an elevated risk in specific production runs. Always check your specific VIN for accurate recall status.

Why vehicles catch fire

“Prone” is often shorthand for identifiable defects, but fires arise from a range of circumstances. Understanding common causes helps separate sensational anecdotes from actionable risk.

• Collisions and road debris: Most highway vehicle fires follow crashes or impacts that rupture fuel systems or damage wiring/batteries.
• Fluid leaks: Oil, transmission fluid, or fuel contacting hot engine or exhaust parts can ignite.
• Electrical shorts: Corrosion, water intrusion, or faulty components can overheat circuits.
• High‑voltage battery defects or damage: Rare manufacturing defects or unmanaged thermal runaway, typically addressed via recalls and software safeguards.
• Aftermarket modifications: Non‑OEM wiring, audio equipment, remote starters, or tow electrics can introduce faults if installed poorly.
• Poor maintenance: Ignored warning lights, leaking gaskets, rodent-damaged wiring, and overdue recalls increase risk.

In practice, a combination of wear, environment, and repair history often matters more than the badge itself—making proactive maintenance and recall compliance key.

How to check your car and reduce risk

Owners can meaningfully lower their exposure by verifying recall status and addressing early warning signs. Here’s what safety agencies and automakers typically recommend.

1. Run a VIN recall check: Use your national regulator’s database (e.g., NHTSA in the U.S.) or your automaker’s website to see open recalls and service campaigns.
2. Heed “park outside” advisories: If your vehicle is covered by such guidance, follow it until the remedy is completed.
3. Watch for symptoms: Fuel or burning smells, smoke, flickering lights, warning messages, coolant loss, or visible leaks warrant immediate inspection.
4. Keep software current: For vehicles that receive over‑the‑air or dealer updates, ensure the latest safety calibrations and diagnostics are installed.
5. Avoid overloading electrical circuits: Be cautious with add‑on accessories and ensure professional installation with proper fusing.
6. Maintain routinely: Fix leaks, replace damaged wiring, and keep engine bays clean of debris; address TSBs (service bulletins) and recall work promptly.
7. After a collision or deep water exposure: Have the electrical and fuel systems inspected even if the vehicle seems drivable.

These steps don’t eliminate risk, but they substantially reduce the scenarios that tend to precede vehicle fires.

Context: EVs, hybrids, and gasoline cars

Public attention often focuses on electric-vehicle fires, but internal‑combustion vehicles still account for the vast majority of highway vehicle fires simply because they dominate the fleet and involve flammable liquids and hot exhaust components. On a per‑vehicle basis, recent insurance and regulatory datasets have not established that EVs, as a class, ignite more frequently than gasoline cars; however, when high‑voltage battery defects occur, recalls can be sweeping and may include cautious “park outside” guidance. Hybrids contain both fuel and high‑voltage systems, which can introduce additional failure points if defects exist—one reason some studies have observed relatively higher recall attention for hybrids in certain years. The takeaway: focus on specific recalls and maintenance, not propulsion type alone.

Summary

No model is inherently destined to catch fire, but some have been recalled for defects that elevate risk. Recent high‑profile examples include broad Hyundai/Kia campaigns, the Chevrolet Bolt EV battery recall, Ford Expedition/Navigator and certain Escape/Bronco Sport issues, Toyota RAV4 (2013–2018) battery mounting, Subaru Ascent wiring, Chrysler Pacifica Plug‑in Hybrid, Jaguar I‑Pace and Hyundai Kona Electric battery actions, Nissan Rogue harness corrosion, and select BMW and Audi electrical recalls. The most effective steps are to check your VIN for open recalls, follow any “park outside” guidance, keep software and maintenance current, and address leaks or electrical warnings immediately.

How likely is a car to catch fire?

While not extremely common, car fires still happen with some frequency, with statistics varying by source and year, but generally indicating hundreds of thousands of incidents annually in the U.S.. Mechanical or electrical failures are the most frequent causes, with collisions accounting for a smaller percentage of fires but a higher number of fatalities. 
Frequency of Car Fires

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates Opens in new tabsuggest that annual vehicle fires average around 119,000 to 152,000 in the U.S. 
• Fire-related data Opens in new tabshows that vehicle fires account for about one in every eight reported fires and one in eight fire deaths. 

Causes of Vehicle Fires

• Mechanical or Electrical Failures Opens in new tabare the primary cause of most car fires, responsible for about two-thirds of incidents. 
• Collisions Opens in new tabcontribute to a smaller percentage of highway vehicle fires (about 4%) but are responsible for a disproportionately high number of deaths. 
• Fuel Leaks Opens in new tabare particularly dangerous, as a small number of fuel-related fires account for a larger portion of fire deaths. 

Key Takeaways

• Car fires are a significant, albeit not the most common, type of fire incident. 
• Preventive maintenance and addressing mechanical or electrical issues can reduce risk. 
• While less frequent, accident-related fires pose a greater risk of injury and death, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). 

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 car is most likely to catch fire?

Hybrid cars have the highest fire risk per 100,000 vehicles sold, followed by traditional gasoline-powered cars. While individual models like the Jaguar I-Pace and older Hyundai and Kia models had specific issues, the overall data indicates that hybrid vehicles are significantly more prone to fires than electric or gasoline cars.
 
Statistics by Vehicle Type 

• Hybrid Cars: Opens in new tabThe most fire-prone type, with around 3,475 fires per 100,000 vehicles sold.
• Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Cars: Opens in new tabHave a lower risk than hybrids, with approximately 1,530 fires per 100,000 vehicles sold.
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Opens in new tabHave the lowest fire risk, with only about 25 fires per 100,000 vehicles sold, according to a recent study.

Factors Contributing to Fires

• Hybrid and Gas Car Fires: Opens in new tabThe primary causes are issues related to fuel leaks, electrical shorts, and problems with components like anti-lock braking systems (ABS). 
• Electric Car Fires: Opens in new tabThe main risk for EVs is their batteries. While less frequent, these fires can be intense and difficult to extinguish. 

Why the Perception Differs 

• Over-Reporting of EV Fires: Opens in new tabDespite being rarer, EV fires are often more publicized and heavily reported in the news, leading to a perception that they are more common than they are.
• Under-Reporting of Gas Car Fires: Opens in new tabMost fires in traditional gasoline-powered cars do not make the news, so the actual number of fires is often underestimated.

Which car manufacturer has the most fires?

In the world of automobiles, safety is paramount, but some models have unfortunately garnered a reputation for their propensity to ignite. Since 2010, more than 3,100 Hyundai and Kia vehicles have caught fire, leading to injuries for 103 people and one tragic death.