Millions of U.S. Vehicles Under 'Park Outside' Recalls Due to Fire Risk
Approximately 3.2 million vehicles in the U.S. are currently subject to 'park outside' recalls, according to federal data analyzed by Carfax. These recalls warn owners that their vehicles can spontaneously catch fire even when turned off. The 'park outside' designation, introduced by federal regulators in 2015 and more prominently highlighted since 2022, has seen a surge due to the increasing complexity of modern vehicles, including more electronics, hotter-running engines, and high-voltage batteries. Recent recalls include plug-in hybrid Jeep Wranglers and Grand Cherokees, with owners advised to keep them away from buildings and avoid charging until repairs are completed. Kia also issued a recall in July for about 460,000 2020-2024 Tellurides due to a front-seat motor that could overheat. Safety experts emphasize that these 'key-off fires' can occur at any time, posing risks to garages and parking structures while automakers work on fixes. 
