Texas motorists face a growing safety threat: over 300,000 vehicles in the Lone Star State are covered by “park outside” recalls, meaning the cars could catch fire while parked and unattended. The warning is clear—keep the affected vehicle outdoors, away from homes, garages and other vehicles until the manufacturer fixes the defect.

What a “park outside” recall means

The phrase describes a recall so serious that the vehicle may ignite even when the engine is off. Owners are instructed to park the car in an open area, such as a driveway or street, until a dealership performs the repair. The repair is provided at no cost to the consumer.

Scope of the problem

According to vehicle‑history reporting firm Carfax, more than 3.2 million vehicles nationwide remain unrepaired under “park outside” recalls. Texas leads the nation, with over 300,000 affected cars and trucks still on the road.

“Park outside recalls are among the most serious types of vehicle safety recalls. Essentially, the vehicle could catch fire even when it’s turned off and unattended,” said Em Nguyen of Carfax.

Major manufacturers affected

Stellantis issued a recall covering more than one million Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators from model years 2021‑2025. The recall cites wiring linked to the hydraulic power‑steering pump that can overheat and start a fire. Stellantis reports at least 72 fires and one injury tied to the defect.

Kia America announced a recall affecting nearly 463,000 2022‑2024 Telluride SUVs. A front power‑seat switch may overheat, igniting the seat. Kia documented seven seat fires and 11 incidents of melting seat motors.

Both automakers stress that even owners who previously completed an earlier recall must return for the new repair, as the hazard persists.

How to check if your vehicle is affected

Drivers can verify outstanding safety recalls for free through two official resources:

• NHTSA.gov/recalls – Enter your VIN or license‑plate number.
• Carfax.com/recall – Search by vehicle details.

If your vehicle appears in the list, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and contact an authorized dealership promptly.

Why the warning matters for Texas families

Fire‑risk recalls threaten not only drivers and passengers but also nearby homes and neighborhoods. In a state where many families keep cars in attached garages or close‑by driveways, the “park outside” directive helps protect property and loved ones.

Carfax urges all owners to treat these warnings seriously. “We definitely want to make sure everybody understands what park outside recalls are and hopefully that can then influence people to get them fixed,” Nguyen added.

By staying informed and acting quickly, Texas motorists can help keep their families safe while supporting the broader effort to keep our roads and communities fire‑free.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.