Photo Credit: iStockAn unresolved safety hazard may be sitting in many garages in the United States.As electric vehicle-focused creator The Electric Viking (@ElectricViking) describes in a video, about 3.2 million vehicles in the U.S. still carry an open "park outside" recall. That means a defect could start a fire even after the vehicle is turned off.Here's what to knowIn a YouTube video, the creator spotlights Carfax and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration numbers that show a sharp increase in these fire-related recalls with most of the affected vehicles falling outside the fully electric category.These notices were once relatively rare, averaging about one annually from 2015 to 2019. The Electric Viking says the total then rose to 10 in 2024 and 19 in 2025. That's accelerated with 17 already issued in the first seven months of 2026. They affect a total of 1.7 million vehicles, meaning 2026 is on pace to move past 2025.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn July, Kia recalled more than 462,000 Tellurides because a power seat motor could keep running and overheat. Stellantis had already recalled 1.1 million Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators in June over an electrical connector linked to the power steering pump.More backgroundFormer National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigator Frank Boris has referred to these incidents as "key-off fires." The Electric Viking summarizes the underlying concern by declaring "the engine is off, but the circuits never are."Today's vehicles rely on dense networks of wiring and motors that can remain powered while the car sits still. A short in those networks can create the same hazard in a gas-, hybrid-, or battery-powered model.Because EV fires draw so much public attention, they often dominate the conversation. The rise in recalls from 2024 through the first seven months of 2026, however, points more toward ever-present electrical systems and growing vehicle complexity than to EV battery packs by themselves.How can I see if my vehicle is affected?NHTSA's VIN lookup tool and Carfax's vehicle service history tool can help confirm whether a car is under a "park outside" notice or another urgent safety recall.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf a recall is active, drivers should follow the instructions exactly until the repair is completed. That may mean parking outdoors and away from a home or other structures, and in some cases avoiding charging altogether. Recall repairs are typically performed at no cost to owners.Many drivers may not even realize their vehicles are affected. Ignoring a recall can leave households exposed to insurance complications and serious safety risks.Where can I learn more?If you want a better understanding of what these recalls mean, these stories look beyond the usual EV fire headlines.• Across U.S. roads, gas cars catch fire more often than EVs despite the headlines.AdvertisementAdvertisement• Firefighters say battery-fire training gaps still shape how EV blazes are handled.• Recalls as a whole are on the rise for automakers with over 300 before the calendar hit July.What matters most is understanding the systems in a vehicle and the risks they can create.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.