Which cars are most likely to catch fire?

Gasoline and diesel vehicles account for the vast majority of car fires, especially older models and any vehicle with an unrepaired fire-related recall; hybrids can face comparable or higher risk because they combine fuel systems with high-voltage batteries, while, on a per-vehicle basis, modern battery-electric vehicles generally show lower fire incidence but can be harder to extinguish when they do burn. This article explains what the data shows, why vehicles ignite, which models have drawn fire-related recalls in recent years, and how drivers can reduce their risk.

What the data shows

Most vehicle fires involve internal-combustion cars simply because they dominate the fleet and contain flammable liquids under heat and pressure. U.S. fire departments respond to well over 100,000 highway vehicle fires annually; the leading factors are mechanical failures (powertrain, exhaust), electrical failures, and crashes. Multiple national datasets outside the U.S. (for example in Scandinavia) have found lower fire rates per registered vehicle for battery-electric cars than for gasoline or diesel models. U.S. per-vehicle comparisons remain limited, but fire services and insurers consistently report that EV fire incidents are a small fraction of total responses relative to the EV share of the fleet.

Interpreting risk versus raw counts

Raw numbers are driven by how many of each type are on the road: internal-combustion vehicles vastly outnumber EVs, so they account for most fires. A fair comparison looks at fires per registered vehicle or per mile traveled, adjusted for vehicle age and usage. Age is a major factor: older cars are more likely to suffer heat-related failures, leaks, or degraded wiring. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids carry both fuel and high-voltage components, creating more potential points of failure if defects or damage are present.

Vehicle types most at risk

The following list summarizes relative risk patterns observed by fire agencies, safety regulators, and insurers, with the important caveat that vehicle condition, age, and recall status can outweigh fuel type.

• Gasoline and diesel vehicles (ICE): Most likely to catch fire in absolute numbers and commonly in per-vehicle terms, driven by fuel and oil leaks onto hot surfaces, mechanical failures (e.g., seized bearings, turbo/exhaust overheating), and electrical shorts. Risk rises with age, poor maintenance, and heavy-duty use.
• Hybrids and plug-in hybrids (HEV/PHEV): Potentially elevated risk versus comparable ICE because they retain all ICE hazards plus high-voltage components, DC/DC converters, and complex cooling. Several high-profile “park outside” recalls have involved PHEV battery packs or control modules. Good design and maintenance mitigate risk.
• Battery-electric vehicles (BEV): Generally lower observed fire incidence per vehicle than ICE, especially in non-crash scenarios, but fires can be more challenging to extinguish due to thermal runaway in lithium-ion cells. Known triggers include severe crashes, manufacturing defects in certain battery batches, and saltwater/flood exposure.

In practice, the riskiest vehicles are those with known, unrepaired defects or neglect—regardless of propulsion. Checking for recalls and maintaining cooling, wiring, and seals materially reduces risk.

Recent fire-related recalls and patterns to know (2018–2025)

This list highlights notable, widely reported U.S. and global recalls tied to fire risk. It is not exhaustive; always run your VIN at your national safety agency (e.g., NHTSA in the U.S.) for current guidance.

• Hyundai and Kia (multiple years/models, 2010s–2024): Repeated recalls for potential engine and brake-hydraulic/ABS control module fires, and for accessory tow-hitch module shorts; several included “park outside” advisories until repaired.
• Chevrolet Bolt EV (2017–2022): Battery manufacturing defects led to a comprehensive recall and module replacements; guidance included charging limits until remedies were completed.
• Hyundai Kona EV (2019–2020, selected markets): Battery pack defects prompted replacements and software updates to reduce thermal risk.
• Ford Escape/Kuga PHEV (2020): Battery overheating risk led to “park outside” guidance and pack replacements/repairs in multiple regions.
• Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid (selected 2017–2023 vehicles): High-voltage battery issues prompted “park outside” guidance pending repairs.
• BMW (various models, 2010s–2024): Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) heater and EGR-related recalls warned of potential engine-compartment fires; repairs replace or rework affected parts.
• Ford F-150 Lightning (2023 build window): Limited recall to address battery cell defects after a pre-delivery fire; production and deliveries paused and resumed with revised packs.
• Jaguar I-Pace (selected years): Battery thermal management recalls and software updates to mitigate rare overheating events.
• Jeep/Dodge (various 2010s): Alternator and electrical module recalls with potential under-hood fire risk; some carried “park outside” advisories.

If your vehicle appears on a fire-related recall list, the highest risk reduction step is to have the remedy performed promptly and follow any interim guidance (such as parking outdoors or adjusting charging settings).

Why vehicles catch fire

Vehicle fires typically trace to one or more of the following causes, often compounded by age, damage, or deferred maintenance.

• Fuel and oil leaks: Pressurized fuel rails, deteriorated hoses, or gasket failures can drip onto hot exhaust/turbo components and ignite.
• Electrical faults: Chafed wiring, corroded connectors, aftermarket add-ons, or failing alternators/modules can short and start compartment fires.
• Overheating components: Seized bearings, clogged catalytic converters, and cooling-system failures can overheat nearby materials.
• Battery thermal runaway (EV/PHEV/HEV): Internal cell defects, severe impacts, or flood-induced shorts can trigger runaway; propagation depends on pack design and cooling.
• Charging equipment issues (electrified vehicles): Damaged cables/receptacles, non-compliant EVSEs, or poor wiring in buildings can overheat.
• Collision fires: Fuel line ruptures or damaged high-voltage systems after crashes can ignite, though modern designs aim to isolate energy sources.
• External factors: Debris buildup against hot exhausts, arson, or parking over dry vegetation can start fires under vehicles.

Understanding the specific failure modes for your vehicle type helps prioritize maintenance and safe-use practices that meaningfully cut risk.

How to check and reduce your fire risk

The steps below focus on practical actions owners can take to lower the chance of a vehicle fire and catch issues early.

1. Check for recalls: Use your VIN on your national safety regulator’s site (e.g., NHTSA.gov/recalls in the U.S.). Schedule remedies promptly, especially if the notice advises “park outside.”
2. Prioritize maintenance: Fix oil/fuel/coolant leaks, address warning lights or burning smells, and replace aging belts/hoses. Keep engine bays clean of leaves and debris.
3. Be careful with electrical add-ons: Avoid overfusing or tapping into factory harnesses; use quality parts installed by qualified technicians.
4. Mind charging safety (EV/PHEV): Use certified charging equipment on dedicated circuits; inspect cables and connectors; install to code; keep software up to date; don’t charge a flood-exposed vehicle.
5. Heed symptoms: Smoke, a sweet or acrid smell, sudden loss of power, or visible arcing warrant pulling over safely, shutting down, and calling for assistance.
6. After crashes or flooding: Have both ICE and high-voltage systems professionally inspected; saltwater immersion can cause delayed electrical faults and, for EVs, battery fires days later.
7. Follow storage guidance: If advised by a recall or repair bulletin, park outdoors away from structures until the fix is complete.

These measures address the most common ignition sources and, combined with prompt recall work, materially reduce the likelihood and consequences of a vehicle fire.

If a vehicle is smoking or on fire

When a fire risk appears imminent, quick, calm action matters more than trying to diagnose the cause on the roadside.

• Pull over safely, stop the vehicle, and evacuate all occupants immediately.
• Move upwind and keep a safe distance; do not open the hood, which can introduce oxygen and intensify flames.
• Call emergency services and report the vehicle type (ICE, hybrid, EV) to inform response tactics.
• For small, incipient fires only: A class ABC extinguisher may help in ICE vehicles; do not attempt to fight battery fires yourself.
• After flooding or saltwater exposure: Do not drive or charge an electrified vehicle; have it towed and inspected by qualified technicians.

Personal safety comes first. Fire departments have evolving protocols for different propulsion systems; providing accurate information improves outcomes.

Bottom line

The cars most likely to catch fire are conventional gasoline and diesel models—particularly older vehicles and any model with an unrepaired fire-related recall—followed by hybrids and plug-in hybrids that combine fuel systems with high-voltage components. Battery-electric vehicles currently exhibit lower fire incidence per vehicle in many datasets, though their fires are uniquely challenging. Regardless of propulsion, the biggest risk multipliers are age, poor maintenance, damage, and ignored recalls—factors owners can directly address.

Summary

Most car fires arise from internal-combustion vehicles due to fuel, oil, mechanical, and electrical failures, with risk increasing as vehicles age or when recalls go unrepaired. Hybrids can face added exposure because they include both combustion and high-voltage systems. Battery-electric cars generally show lower per-vehicle fire rates, but require specialized response if fires occur. The most effective protections are prompt recall repairs, diligent maintenance, safe charging practices, and immediate evacuation and emergency calls at the first sign of smoke or fire.

How likely is it for a car to catch on 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 was notorious for catching fire?

The Pinto, a subcompact car made by Ford Motor Company, became infamous in the 1970s for bursting into flames if its gas tank was ruptured in a collision. The lawsuits brought by injured people and their survivors uncovered how the company rushed the Pinto through production and onto the market.

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.