Parked-car fires spur massive recall wave as electronics overheat

Millions of vehicles are being recalled for fires that can start even when the car is off and parked, a trend dubbed “park outside” recalls. The problem is tied to increased electronics under the hood and higher operating temperatures, affecting models such as Jeep Gladiators and Wranglers, Kia Tellurides, and BMW 530e xDrive. In 2026 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued numerous campaigns, with recalls rising since 2024, as safety advocates say smarter cars bring more heat-prone electronics and encourage drivers to park away from buildings or other vehicles until repairs are available.