Car fires — we’ve all seen them. Even the smallest of flames can quickly grow, engulf a vehicle, and turn it into a blackened hull on the side of the road. It’s terrifying to witness and unimaginable to experience. 

It’s estimated that 19 car fires occur every hour in the United States, accounting for every 1 in 8 calls fire departments respond to. Nearly 25% of vehicle fires are caused by equipment failure or a heat source in the car. 

So, what can you do to avoid a vehicle fire? And which cars catch fire the most? Here’s what every driver needs to know.

 

Why Do Cars Catch on Fire?

Most cars with safety recalls catch fire because of common defects like faulty manufacturing or design flaws. Not every recalled car will burst into flames, but there’s a higher risk if you’re driving a defective vehicle. 

Several reasons a car might catch on fire include, but aren’t limited to: 

• Severe oil leaks that cause the engine to lose so much oil it no longer has a safe amount and overheats. 
• Forgotten flammable materials under the car’s hood, such as rags or paper towels used for cleaning. 
• Overheated brakes can cause tires and brake pads to catch on fire. 
• A lack of maintenance could cause rubber hoses and seals to wear out and leak flammable liquids. 
• Dangerous modifications, like cheap parts or careless labor, could result in disaster.

 

Which Cars Catch on Fire the Most? Top Car Fires by Brand 

Have you always wondered which cars catch on fire the most? Here’s some data on the top car fires by brand and a few of the most recent vehicle recalls in the news.

 

Kia & Hyundai

Kias and Hyundais are among the most fire-prone vehicles. In 2019, they settled for $760 million over non-crash-related fires. A 2018 study found that midsize Kia and Hyundai models were over twice as likely to have non-crash fire insurance claims compared to similar vehicles. 

In 2023, Hyundai and Kia issued another recall affecting over 3.3 million cars due to risks from electrical shorts and brake fluid leaks. Some of these defects could cause fires even when the vehicles were parked. Complaints have included smoldering wires and spontaneous fires, with owners sometimes advised to park their cars outdoors, away from homes and structures, as a precaution.

Why Do Kias and Hyundais Have Such a High Risk of Catching on Fire?

From oil pan leaks that cause engines to overheat and catch fire to faulty rod bearings, there are all kinds of reasons these vehicles are more prone to catching fire. So many Kias and Hyundais end up being affected because they share a lot of the same parts. Essentially, if one part has a problem, it can easily affect hundreds of thousands of cars.

 

Subaru

In December 2022, Subaru recalled over 270,00 2019-2022 Ascent vehicles due to a fire risk. The issue stemmed from a loose ground bolt in the Positive Temperature Coefficient heater, which could cause the ground terminal to melt and start a fire. 

Subaru advised owners to park their cars away from structures like garages and carports and not to leave the engine running unattended.

 

Mercedes 

In January 2023, Mercedes-Benz recalled nearly 28,000 vehicles due to a wiring harness issue that could lead to a fire. The defect allowed water from external sources to enter the wiring harness’s electrical connections. Water on electric components can cause short circuits, leading to an increased fire risk if the ignition is turned off for long periods. 

Vehicles included in the recall are:

• 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS53 
• 2019-2023 Mercedes-Benz E53 Cabriolet 
• 2019-2023 Mercedes-Benz E53
• 2019-2023 Mercedes-Benz E53 Coupe 
• 2019-2023 Mercedes-Benz GT53
• 2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz GT43
• 2019-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS450
• 2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz E450 Cabriolet 
• 2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz E450 Wagon 
• 2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz E450 Coupe 
• 2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz E450

 

Ford 

Ford issued a recall in 2022 for over 39,000 2021 Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators due to a fire risk. The fires reportedly occurred when the vehicles were parked and turned off, with some drivers noticing a burning smell and smoke coming from the front passenger area while driving. 

Ford warned owners to park their cars outside due to the risk. The automaker didn’t specify the exact cause of the fires but acknowledged that the vehicles had an “increased risk of underhood fire” even when turned off.

 

Chevrolet 

As of 2024, Chevrolet has issued several recalls for the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV due to a fire risk related to the batteries. The company has repeatedly urged Bolt owners affected by the recalls to park outside and not leave their cars charging overnight. Luckily, these issues can be fixed with a software update completed at a General Motors EV dealer. 

If you own a Chevy Bolt, you can read more about the recall and what to do on Chevrolet’s website.

 

Mitsubishi

Due to a potential transmission fluid leak, Mitsubishi recalled 45,000 vehicles, mostly 2015 Outlander Sport Crossover SUVs. If enough fluid leaks and comes into contact with a hot surface, it could cause a fire.

 

Tesla

Tesla has also faced scrutiny over vehicle fires. However, electric vehicles (EVs) are generally less likely to catch fire than traditional gasoline-powered cars. Since 2014, there have allegedly been 83 fatalities linked to Tesla fires, and reports indicate 218 fire incidents involving Tesla vehicles between 2013 and early 2024. 

Despite these incidents, Tesla vehicles still have a lower fire risk than cars with internal combustion engines.

 

How to Check for Fire Risk Recalls 

Whether you’re looking to buy a new car or want to know if your current vehicle is at risk of catching on fire, you can check for fire safety recalls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recall page. Simply enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if any recalls affect a vehicle. 

The NHTSA has also added a feature to its recall website to draw attention to urgent safety notices, such as fire risks. A bright red box will appear at the top of the page if there are any recalls urging owners or lessees not to drive their vehicles or if the car can catch fire while parked.

 

What to Do if Your Car Catches on Fire

If your car was involved in a fire and you suspect it was due to a defect or negligence, contact a lemon lawyer! It’s not unusual for vehicle manufacturers to claim the owner is at fault. 

Lemon laws are complicated and often misunderstood. An experienced lemon lawyer can explain your rights and how the system works.

 

CONTACT OUR TEAM OF EXPERIENCED LEMON LAW ATTORNEYS TODAY

Do you think you were sold a faulty vehicle? Were you the victim of a car fire? We can help! 

Call 818-244-3905 or contact Norman Taylor & Associates today to schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation for your 2019 or newer vehicle. Our team can answer all your questions and concerns.

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