WASHINGTON – More than 1.7 million vehicles have been covered by federal park-outside fire warnings during 2026, leaving owners to balance daily transportation needs against instructions intended to keep a vehicle fire from spreading to a home, garage or nearby car.
The total makes 2026 one of the busiest years for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s park-outside designation since the agency began tracking it more than a decade ago, The Washington Post reported. The warning is reserved for defects that can create a fire risk while a vehicle is parked, including in some cases when the ignition is off.
The year’s largest action covers 1,076,999 model-year 2021 through 2025 Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler vehicles. NHTSA said an electrical connection problem in electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring can overheat combustible material. The agency knew of 51 fires and one injury likely linked to the issue when it announced the warning June 9. Owners were told to park outside and away from other vehicles and buildings until repairs are completed.
A July recall added 462,869 model-year 2020 through 2024 Kia Tellurides. NHTSA said a damaged or misaligned front power-seat switch can keep a seat motor running until it overheats. Kia reported seven seat fires and 11 melted seat motors. The vehicles had been recalled for the issue in 2024, but NHTSA said an improper earlier repair could leave the hazard in place. Dealers are to install an electronic fuse assembly.
Smaller 2026 actions include 670 Volkswagen ID.4 electric vehicles from model years 2023 and 2024 with potentially misaligned battery-cell electrodes. Owners of those vehicles were advised to park outside after charging, avoid indoor overnight charging, avoid Level 3 fast charging and limit the battery to 80% until affected modules are replaced.
A park-outside instruction does not always mean an owner must stop driving. Consumers should follow the exact notice for their vehicle because some recalls also include a do-not-drive order, charging limits or other precautions. Parking outdoors should mean away from structures and other vehicles, not merely outside a garage door where a fire could still spread.
Owners can enter a 17-character vehicle identification number at NHTSA.gov/recalls or use the agency’s SaferCar app to check for open recalls. Recall repairs are free. Drivers who smell burning, see smoke or notice melting components should move away from the vehicle and contact emergency services rather than attempting a risky inspection.
Sources: The Washington Post and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Original report published Aug. 17, 2026.
