What's driving recalls of cars at risk of bursting into flames? It's not EVs

A surge in U.S. “park outside” recalls—warnings that a vehicle could catch fire even when turned off and parked—is increasingly driven by conventional gas and diesel cars, not EVs. A Washington Post analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notices found that since 2021, most vehicles labeled “park outside” are non-EV. Federal authorities announced 17 new such recalls in the first seven months of 2026, covering 1.7 million vehicles, making 2026 the second-highest year since this recall category began more than a decade ago. About 3.4 million vehicles are still affected, citing CarFax. Experts link the trend to expanding electronic systems.