Concerns Grow Over Electric Vehicle Fires amid Recalls

Electric cars are generating serious concerns as reports indicate they may catch fire, even when parked. This issue has become particularly alarming with a rise in recalls of certain models.

In one notable case, Sarah Ramersen’s plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler went up in flames while her daughter was behind the wheel, just days after the vehicle was recalled. According to reports, over 200,000 plug-in hybrids, including models from Jeep, are at risk of battery fires, whether stationary or in motion, by November 2025.

An FCA US LLC spokesperson confirmed that they have a solution in place for the recall affecting certain 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 4xe SUVs. This includes a software update intended to enhance early detection of any internal battery issues.

This Jeep recall is part of a broader issue. In fact, around 3.2 million vehicles are currently involved in outstanding recalls that require them to be parked outside due to potential fire hazards.

Following the initial recall, engineers at Stellantis have been gathering and analyzing more data related to battery performance. This ongoing analysis is said to deepen their understanding of what causes these fires, leading to improved safety measures. A spokesperson emphasized that while previous actions were based on the best information available at the time, recent developments reflect the company’s commitment to refining their approach.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) introduced the “outdoor parking” category in 2015 to identify recalls with severe fire risks, necessitating that owners park their vehicles away from homes and other structures. This warning has since been prominently added to NHTSA’s online recall database for 2022.

However, the fire risk isn’t limited to electric vehicles alone. Many modern cars have electrical systems that can remain active even when the engine isn’t running, raising concerns about fires involving various components.

As former NHTSA agent Frank Boris points out, “These are known as ‘key-off fires.’ Even with the engine off, circuits can still be live.” He notes that increased electronic systems in vehicles mean there are more potential points of failure, which could lead to these kinds of fires.

Worsening these issues, the NHTSA has issued urgent outdoor parking warnings regarding almost 1 million Jeeps due to problems with electrical connections affecting power steering systems.

For vehicle owners facing these alerts, the waiting game for repairs can be frustrating, and they must consider where to park their cars safely. It’s a tricky situation, especially for those living in apartment complexes with shared garages. Sean Kane, president of Safety Research and Strategy, raises a pertinent question about how these individuals should manage their situations.

Meanwhile, safety experts like Michael Brooks from the Center for Auto Safety highlight the greater dangers of parked cars catching fire. If no one is nearby when a vehicle ignites, the consequences can be dire, leading to potentially serious disasters.