More vehicle technology, not just EV batteries, causing uptick in ‘park outside’ recalls

Increased vehicle technology is behind an uptick in “park outside” recalls from federal authorities, a Washington Post investigation finds. 

While EVs are included in recent “park outside” recalls, they are not driving the increase, according to the investigation findings.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data show gas and diesel vehicles were involved in most of the recalls since 2021. This is partly because gas and diesel still dominate the U.S. market, the article adds. 

The Washington Post found 3.2 million unresolved “park outside” fire recalls in the U.S. More than 1.7 million vehicles have been recalled under 17 “park outside” recalls in 2026, the report found. 

Frank Borris, a former NHTSA investigator, told the newspaper that the engine can be off in vehicles, but electronics remain running all the time. 

Yahoo Autos reports that electronics such as seat motors, power steering wiring, and start relays can stay energized for some time after the driver turns the vehicle off. 

The article points to a June recall on 2021-2025 Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators that states the vehicle fires could start from overheating connected power steering components. NHTSA first received reports of fires in certain Jeep Wranglers and Gladiator vehicles in 2023. 

As of May 2026, the agency is aware of 63 customer assistance reports and 72 field reports filed on the issue, NHTSA documents state. 

NHTSA first created the “park outside” designation label in 2015, Yahoo Auto says. However, it adds that recalls under the label were rare, with manufacturers averaging about one recall a year from 2015-2019. 

“Park outside” recalls started to increase in 2024, with 10 issued that year. 

The Washington Post article shifts the conversation about “park outside” recalls, while the media focus has typically been on EVs.

As EV fire concerns became more prominent, State Farm removed vehicle charging from its employee parking garages in 2024.

While gas vehicles have their own fire risks, EV battery concerns still exist. For example, in January, NHTSA issued a “park outside” order for the Volvo EX30 because of a fire risk from the vehicle’s high-voltage battery. 

Collision repair centers also face risks when working on damaged EV vehicles. 

A Rhode Island fire department determined that a March auto repair shop fire was started by thermal runaway from a GMC Hummer EV, according to local news reports.  

OEM1Stop.com is an industry site developed by automakers that provides access to vehicle repair and service information, including Emergency Service Guides for first responders, written by OEMs. The guides include proper battery removal and storage guidance and information about what should happen once the vehicle is brought inside the repair facility.

The Energy Security Agency (ESA) also staffs a 24/7 Guidance Center for first responders, towing and recovery, recyclers, salvage yards, and the repair industry to answer questions about properly handling EV and hybrid vehicles.

The center can walk through risk assessments and help each party label the vehicles with color-coded stickers that warn others of potential risks.

The National Fire Protection Association offers numerous EV training courses online for first responders and the general public, including training sessions for vehicle dealerships. The U.S. Department of Energy website also lists EV fire training resources.

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