Good News: “Park Outside” Fire-Risk Recalls Fall Below 3 Million Vehicles

Some rare good news on the recall front: the number of vehicles carrying urgent “Park Outside” recall orders — fire-risk defects so severe that automakers and NHTSA advise parking them away from any structure, including garages — has dropped below 3 million, according to updated Carfax data.

Park-outside fires can occur even with the engine shut off, which is what makes these orders so serious. The decline means repairs are outpacing newly discovered defects — exactly what you want to see.

Meanwhile, Carfax’s Takata airbag “Do Not Drive” list remains extensive, covering millions of older vehicles: 2001–2003 Acuras, 2000–2006 BMW 3 Series (including M3) and 2000–2003 5 Series, 2005–2015 Chrysler 300s, 2005–2015 Dodge Chargers, 2003–2010 Ram 1500s, 2005–2006 Ford GTs, 2005–2014 Mustangs, 2006–2012 Fusions, 2001–2002 Honda Accords and Civics, 2007–2016 Jeep Wranglers, 2003–2013 Mazda6s, 2002–2006 Nissan Sentras, and 2003–2004 Toyota Corollas and 2004–2005 RAV4s.

The rule applies to every recall on this page: dealers are legally required to fix them at no charge. If a dealer refuses, contact your automaker directly — and run your VIN through NHTSA’s free lookup before buying any used car.