More than 1.5 million cars recalled after bursting into flames while simply parked outside

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says more than 1.5 million vehicles have been recalled so far this year due to a risk of fires while parked, even when the cars are turned off. The “park outside” warnings have targeted owners of certain Jeep Gladiators and Jeep Wranglers, Kia Tellurides, and BMW 530e xDrives, advising drivers to keep vehicles away from other cars or buildings. The issue is tied to “key-off fires,” where circuits can remain hot and continue heating after parking, a problem associated with increased onboard electronics. The article cites major actions by Stellantis in June over wiring in the hydraulic power steering pump affecting 1,076,999 vehicles, and by Kia in July over overheating tied to a front seat motor affecting 462,869 Tellurides.