Why Are There So Many Car Fires Now?

There isn’t a sudden nationwide explosion in car fires; most remain tied to familiar causes such as mechanical or electrical failures in gasoline and diesel vehicles. What has changed is a mix of factors—an aging vehicle fleet, clusters of high-profile recalls, extreme heat, denser parking, and viral coverage—that make incidents more frequent in certain settings and far more visible to the public. Below, we unpack the numbers, the causes, the electric-vehicle nuance, and what drivers can do to reduce risk.

What the data actually shows

Fire investigators and national fire agencies report that the vast majority of vehicle fires still involve internal-combustion cars and trucks, with mechanical or electrical failures as the leading causes. Long-term, the rate of highway vehicle fires has trended downward since the 1980s in the U.S. and parts of Europe, even as the fleet has grown. At the same time, several short-term forces—record heat in 2023–2024, a string of manufacturer recalls, and attention-grabbing incidents in garages and aboard car carriers—have created the impression of a surge.

Why the perception has spiked

Several visibility and reporting dynamics make car fires feel more common today than they were even a few years ago. These factors shape both news coverage and what people encounter on social feeds.

• Viral media: Dashcams and smartphones capture more roadside fires, dramatically amplifying isolated incidents.
• High-profile blazes: Fires on car-carrier ships and in parking structures, even if rare, dominate headlines and linger in public memory.
• EV spotlight: Electric-vehicle fires, though a small share of cases, are harder to extinguish and thus receive disproportionate coverage.
• Conflation with micromobility: E-bike and e-scooter battery fires in cities are often conflated with car fires, elevating general anxiety about “battery fires.”
• Local clustering: Recall-related issues (for example, certain brake or electrical modules) can cause a spate of incidents in specific makes or regions, skewing perception.

Taken together, these visibility effects can make a stable or modestly shifting risk profile feel like a sudden, widespread increase.

The main drivers behind today’s car fires

While no single culprit explains every incident, investigators point to a set of recurring conditions that elevate fire risk across the fleet. Here are the most common contributors now, and why they matter.

1. Aging vehicles and deferred maintenance: The average vehicle age in the U.S. reached a record 12.6 years in 2024. Older hoses, seals, wiring insulation, and fuel-system components are more likely to fail and leak onto hot surfaces.
2. Mechanical and electrical faults: Overheated engines, seized bearings, shorted alternators, and failing ABS modules are classic ignition sources. Many fires start after a minor fault goes unaddressed.
3. Recall clusters: Large safety campaigns—for example, multi-million-vehicle recalls involving anti-lock brake or tow-module wiring by major automakers since 2022–2023—can concentrate non-crash fire risk until fixes are completed.
4. Extreme heat: Heat waves raise under-hood temperatures, stress cooling systems and batteries, accelerate fluid vaporization, and can tip marginal components into failure.
5. Crashes and roadway debris: Post-collision fluid leaks and damaged electrical systems are a significant share of fires; road debris can puncture fuel or battery enclosures.
6. Aftermarket wiring and theft damage: Poorly installed audio gear, remote starters, or lighting kits can overload circuits. Catalytic converter theft often leaves cut wiring or heat shields missing, increasing risk.
7. Hybrids and high-voltage systems: Hybrids carry both fuel and batteries, creating more potential ignition pathways if damaged or poorly maintained.
8. Dense parking structures: Tight spacing and limited ventilation can allow a single vehicle fire to spread quickly, raising the stakes for even routine incidents.
9. Poor housekeeping: Oil-soaked engine bays, leaf buildup near exhaust manifolds, or dragging plastic undertrays can ignite under sustained heat.

In practice, several of these factors often converge—say, an older vehicle in extreme heat with a small fluid leak—making prevention and timely maintenance especially important.

EVs versus gasoline: what’s different—and what isn’t

Electric vehicles change the fire conversation, but not always in the way headlines suggest. Multiple national fire agencies and independent insurer datasets in Europe and North America indicate EVs do not catch fire more often than gasoline cars on a per-vehicle basis; in some datasets, their incidence is lower. What is different is how these fires behave and how they’re fought.

• Ignition pathways: Internal-combustion vehicles most often ignite from hot surfaces and flammable fluids; EV fires typically involve high-voltage components or thermal runaway in cells, often following damage or charging faults.
• Fire behavior: Battery fires can re-ignite hours or days later and may require prolonged cooling or immersion. They’re uncommon but operationally challenging for firefighters.
• Hybrids as an edge case: Because they combine batteries and combustion systems, some studies find hybrids exhibit the highest non-crash fire rates per registered vehicle among the three categories.
• Context matters: Shipping, storage, and repair environments concentrate risk for all vehicle types, so incidents in those settings punch above their statistical weight.

The upshot: EV fires are rarer but more complex to manage; gasoline fires are more common and well understood. Both benefit from robust maintenance, recalls, and safe charging/fueling practices.

How drivers can reduce risk right now

Most vehicle fires are preventable. A few proactive steps—especially for older vehicles or those with outstanding recalls—meaningfully cut the odds of an incident.

• Act on recalls immediately: Check your VIN regularly and schedule recall repairs without delay; park outdoors until fire-related fixes are completed.
• Maintain diligently: Replace brittle hoses, seep-prone gaskets, and crusted battery terminals; fix oil leaks and misfires promptly.
• Watch warning signs: Burning smells, smoke wisps, flickering lights, or unexplained fuse blows warrant immediate inspection.
• Protect wiring: Avoid overloading 12V circuits with aftermarket gear; use fused taps and professional installation.
• Charge safely (EV/hybrid): Use certified equipment, avoid damaged cables, keep charging areas clear, and update vehicle software.
• Mind heat: In extreme temperatures, ease loads (towing, mountain climbs), monitor temperatures, and pull over if gauges creep.
• Keep it clean: Remove leaf litter around the cowl and exhaust; wipe oil residues from the engine bay after service.
• Address theft damage: If a catalytic converter or wiring was tampered with, have heat shields and harnesses properly restored.
• Plan your parking: In tight garages, avoid parking nose-to-nose; if your vehicle has a pending fire-related recall, consider open-air parking until repaired.
• Be prepared: Carry a small, ABC-rated extinguisher and know you should prioritize evacuation and calling emergency services over attempting to fight a growing fire.

These steps don’t just lower fire risk; they also limit the chance that a small fault spirals into a catastrophic loss.

What officials and industry are doing

Automakers are expanding thermal management and fault detection, rolling out over-the-air updates for battery and charging systems, and improving pack designs to limit thermal propagation. Regulators and standards bodies continue to refine testing (for example, UN 38.3, UL 2580, and ECE R100 for batteries) and update building and fire codes around charging in structures. Fire services are adopting new tactics and equipment for high-voltage incidents, including cooling blankets, telemetry-informed triage, and post-fire monitoring protocols.

Bottom line

There are not “suddenly” far more car fires overall, but today’s conditions—older vehicles, heat, concentrated recalls, and the spotlight on complex EV incidents—make fires feel more common and, in certain contexts, more consequential. The most effective response remains straightforward: fix known defects, maintain vehicles meticulously, charge and wire safely, and give firefighters and automakers the time and data they need to keep improving outcomes.

Summary

Most car fires still stem from traditional mechanical or electrical failures in gasoline vehicles, and long-term trends don’t show a runaway increase. Perception is heightened by viral coverage, attention-grabbing incidents, extreme heat, and recall clusters. EVs are not catching fire more often overall, but their fires are more complex to extinguish. Practical steps—acting on recalls, maintaining vehicles, charging safely, and managing heat—significantly reduce risk while industry and fire services update designs, standards, and tactics.

Why are cars being set on fire?

But it could also be to cover up evidence of another crime. Sometimes it’s curiosity or old-fashioned vandalism, or it could be insurance fraud. And there are probably several more reasons, but that’s best left to the investigators. It’s pretty easy to set a car on fire.

What is the biggest cause of car fires?

The most common causes of car fires are fuel system leaks, where flammable liquids ignite from a spark or hot engine component, and electrical system failures, which can cause sparks from faulty wiring or components. Poor vehicle maintenance can lead to both of these issues, increasing the risk of a fire from damaged wires or leaking components. 
Causes of Car Fires

• Fuel System Leaks: Flammable liquids like gasoline can leak from damaged lines or components and contact a hot engine part or a spark, leading to ignition. 
• Electrical System Failures: Worn or damaged wiring, short circuits, or faulty components can create sparks or heat, igniting nearby materials. 
• Poor Maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance can result in damaged electrical wires, leaky fuel lines, or engines that overheat, all of which are fire hazards. 
• Engine Overheating: Overheating can cause fluids to spill and come into contact with hot engine components or wires. 
• Car Accidents: A collision can cause damage to the fuel tank, fuel lines, or electrical systems, leading to leaks, sparks, and potential ignition of flammable liquids. 
• Catalytic Converter Issues: A damaged or improperly functioning catalytic converter can become extremely hot and pose a fire risk if it contacts foreign objects. 

Prevention

• Perform Regular Maintenance: Have your car inspected and serviced regularly to catch potential problems with the fuel and electrical systems. 
• Be Vigilant for Leaks: If you smell gasoline or see fluid leaks under your car, get it checked and fixed immediately. 
• Address Electrical Issues: Don’t ignore warning signs of electrical problems, such as flickering lights or other malfunctions. 

Which cars are most likely to catch fire?

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. 

Why are there so many vehicle fires now?

Cars are catching fire due to fuel and fluid leaks from damaged or deteriorating parts, malfunctioning electrical systems causing sparks, and overheating from engine or exhaust issues, with accidents and poor maintenance exacerbating these risks. Defective fuel tanks or lines are a common cause, while faulty wiring and degraded batteries can create ignition sources, and clogged catalytic converters or engine failures lead to dangerous heat build-up. 
Fuel & Fluid Leaks 

• Fuel system issues: Opens in new tabLeaks from fuel tanks, hoses, or lines are a primary cause, as leaked gasoline or diesel can easily ignite on contact with a hot surface or spark. 
• Engine oil leaks: Opens in new tabLeaking engine oil can accumulate on engine parts and, with high heat, can start a fire. 
• Other fluids: Opens in new tabCoolant, brake fluid, and other flammable fluids leaking from damaged reservoirs or lines can also contribute to fires under the right conditions. 

Electrical System Failures 

• Short circuits: Damaged or frayed wiring, loose connections, and faulty components like fuses can short-circuit, creating sparks that ignite flammable materials. 
• Malfunctioning batteries: Improperly designed or poorly maintained batteries can corrode, and the resulting corrosion can be flammable. 
• Improperly installed accessories: Aftermarket installations or modifications to a vehicle’s electrical system can introduce faults and increase fire risk. 

Overheating 

• Engine and exhaust systems: Engines, exhaust systems, and catalytic converters can overheat due to mechanical issues, lack of maintenance, or excessive stress. 
• Lack of cooling: A faulty engine cooling system or insufficient engine oil can cause overheating, which increases the risk of fire. 

Other Factors

• Vehicle accidents: Collisions can damage fuel lines and electrical systems, leading to leaks and sparks that trigger fires. 
• Poor maintenance: A lack of regular maintenance can allow components to deteriorate and lead to leaks or electrical failures that cause fires. 
• Design flaws: Some vehicles may have inherent design flaws, like fuel system components placed too close to hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of fire. 
• Rodents and debris: Small animals can build nests in engine compartments, or road debris can accumulate around hot catalytic converters, creating kindling that can ignite.