More Than 1.5 Million Vehicles Recalled Over Fire Risks, Even When Parked

A growing number of vehicle owners in the United States have been warned to do something that sounds unusual: park their cars outside.

More than 1.5 million vehicles have been recalled this year because of fire risks that can develop even after the ignition has been switched off. The warnings have affected several major models, including Jeep Wranglers, Jeep Gladiators, Kia Tellurides and certain BMW vehicles.

These safety campaigns, often described as "park outside" recalls, are becoming an increasingly important issue as modern cars contain more electrical systems, computer controls and powered components.

What is a "park outside" recall?

A "park outside" recall is issued when a vehicle may catch fire while parked, sometimes with the engine completely switched off.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, has advised owners of affected vehicles to leave them outdoors and away from buildings and other vehicles until the problem has been repaired.

The risk is particularly concerning because drivers may assume that a vehicle is safe once it has been turned off. However, some electrical systems remain active after the engine stops.

NHTSA has previously issued similar warnings for vehicles affected by electrical faults, battery problems and overheating components.

Jeep recall affects more than one million vehicles

One of the largest recent recalls involves certain 2021 to 2025 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles.

According to NHTSA, 1,076,999 vehicles are included in the US recall. The agency said an electrical connection problem involving the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring could cause components to overheat and potentially ignite combustible material.

The recall followed reports of 51 fires and one injury believed to be associated with the defect.

Owners affected by the recall were instructed to keep their vehicles outside and away from buildings or other vehicles until the necessary repair had been completed.

The scale of the Jeep recall has made it one of the most significant examples of the growing "park outside" problem in 2026.

Reuters reported that the wider Stellantis recall involved more than 1.3 million vehicles globally, including vehicles in markets outside the United States.

Kia Telluride owners face another fire warning

Kia has also issued a major recall involving 462,869 Telluride SUVs from the 2020 to 2024 model years.

In this case, the potential problem involves the front power seat motor. A damaged, displaced or misaligned seat switch could cause the motor to continue operating, potentially resulting in overheating and fire.

NHTSA said Kia was aware of seven seat fires and 11 cases involving melted seat motors.

The issue is particularly notable because the affected Tellurides had previously been subject to a recall for the same general problem. The latest remedy includes an electronic fuse designed to prevent continuous operation of the motor if the switch becomes damaged or displaced.

Owners were instructed to park their vehicles outdoors and away from buildings and other vehicles until the repair is completed.

Why are these recalls becoming more common?

Modern vehicles are far more technologically sophisticated than older cars.

Cars now contain extensive networks of sensors, computers, electric motors, control modules and other electronic components. Many systems can remain powered even after the engine has stopped.

That technology brings major benefits, including improved safety, comfort, fuel efficiency and performance. However, it also creates more potential points of failure.

A problem involving wiring, a relay, a motor or a high-voltage battery can potentially generate heat. If that heat is not controlled, it may create a fire risk.

The issue is not limited to petrol-powered vehicles. Plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles can also be affected by battery-related recalls.

For example, NHTSA has previously issued "park outside" warnings for certain Jeep plug-in hybrid models because of potential high-voltage battery failures. Owners were also advised not to charge affected vehicles until repairs were completed.

BMW recalls highlight another electrical risk

BMW has also faced recent "park outside" recalls.

In July 2026, NHTSA documents identified certain BMW 330e, 530e, 530e xDrive and 740Le xDrive models in a recall involving the engine starter relay.

The relay may corrode, overheat and short circuit, creating a potential fire hazard even while the vehicle is parked. Owners were advised to keep affected vehicles outdoors until the remedy was completed.

The BMW case illustrates why simply switching off a modern vehicle does not necessarily eliminate every electrical risk.

What should drivers do if their car is recalled?

The first step is to check whether the vehicle is actually affected.

US drivers can use the NHTSA recall database and search using their vehicle identification number, commonly known as a VIN. NHTSA also recommends its SaferCar app for recall notifications.

If a vehicle is subject to a "park outside" warning, owners should follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

That generally means parking outdoors, away from garages, houses, other vehicles and anything else that could catch fire. If the recall includes additional instructions, such as avoiding charging a plug-in hybrid, those directions should also be followed.

Owners should not assume that a recall is minor simply because the vehicle continues to drive normally. A vehicle can operate without obvious problems while still containing a defective component.

The bigger safety question

The increase in fire-related recalls raises a wider question about the complexity of modern vehicles.

More technology can make cars safer and more efficient, but every additional electrical component introduces another part that must operate reliably in a demanding environment.

At the same time, recalls can provide an important safety mechanism. Identifying a defect and warning owners before a repair is available can reduce the chance of injuries and property damage.

For drivers, the key lesson is straightforward: a switched-off car is not necessarily a completely inactive machine.

As vehicle technology continues to advance, recall notices are likely to become increasingly important. Checking recall information regularly and responding quickly to safety warnings can help drivers protect themselves, their families and their homes.

Sources:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator fire recall.