Recalls
Do-not-drive recalls: Park It Now and Park Outside explained
A "Park It Now" recall means the vehicle should not be driven at all until it is fixed. A "Park Outside" recall means it could catch fire even when it is switched off, so it should be parked outdoors and away from buildings. Both are the most serious kinds of recall, and you should act on them today.
What the two warnings mean
NHTSA's recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls flags these recalls so they stand out. The recall letter from the manufacturer will also say so in plain words.
| Warning | The risk | What it asks you to do |
|---|---|---|
| Park It Now (do not drive) | A defect could cause serious injury or death if the vehicle is driven, for example an airbag that could explode and throw metal fragments, or a part that could fail and cause a crash. | Do not drive the vehicle until the recall repair is done. Arrange a tow or mobile repair. |
| Park Outside (fire risk) | A part could overheat or short-circuit and start a fire, even when the vehicle is parked and switched off. | Park outside, away from your home, garage, carport and other vehicles, until the repair is done. |
Some recalls carry other interim instructions, such as not charging an electric vehicle above a certain level or not letting anyone sit in a particular seat. Follow whatever the notice says.
What to do today
- Confirm the recall for your VIN. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or use our VIN check. Make sure the recall applies to your exact vehicle, not just the model.
- Stop driving, or move the vehicle outside. For Park It Now, leave the vehicle where it is. For Park Outside, if the vehicle is in a garage or carport, move it outside and away from buildings and other vehicles. If the recall notice says not to drive it at all, ask the dealer or manufacturer how to move it safely.
- Tell everyone who uses the vehicle. Family members, roommates and anyone who borrows it need to know. Keep the keys somewhere they will not be grabbed by mistake.
- Call a dealer for your brand. Ask whether the remedy is available and when they can do it. Ask how they will get the vehicle to them.
- Call the manufacturer if needed. Ask about towing, mobile repair and a loaner or rental car. Get a case number.
Getting the vehicle to the dealer
You should not have to drive a Park It Now vehicle to get it fixed. For do-not-drive recalls, manufacturers commonly offer one or more of these:
- free towing to the nearest dealer
- a mobile technician who comes to your home or workplace to do the repair
- a loaner or rental car until the repair is done
Exactly what is offered depends on the manufacturer and the recall, and it is not always spelled out in the letter. Ask. If the dealer cannot help, call the manufacturer's customer service line and explain that the recall says not to drive the vehicle.
If you pay for a tow yourself, keep the receipt and ask the manufacturer whether it will reimburse you.
Why these recalls happen
Do-not-drive and park-outside warnings are used when the risk is high and could strike without warning. Examples of the kinds of defects involved include:
- Airbag inflators that can rupture. Some older Takata inflators, especially the so-called "alpha" inflators in certain early-2000s Honda and Acura models, have a high chance of rupturing in a crash. See airbag recalls explained.
- Electrical parts that can short-circuit. Components such as brake control modules, wiring or fans can overheat and cause a fire, sometimes while parked.
- High-voltage batteries. Defective battery cells in some hybrid and electric vehicles have led to fire-risk recalls. See EV and hybrid battery problems.
- Steering, suspension or wheel parts that could break and cause a loss of control.
You can see what owners report across all vehicles on our airbag problems and electrical problems pages.
Signs of a fire risk
Whether or not your vehicle has a recall, get it checked promptly if you notice:
- a burning plastic or electrical smell
- smoke from under the hood or dashboard
- fuses that keep blowing
- melted or scorched wiring or connectors
- fluid leaks near hot engine or exhaust parts
Renting, borrowing and buying
Rental cars. Federal law generally requires rental companies to fix open safety recalls before renting those vehicles out. If you are given a rental, you can still check its VIN yourself.
Buying used. In most cases, federal law does not stop a used vehicle from being sold with an open recall. Always check the VIN before you buy, and never buy a vehicle with a do-not-drive recall on the assumption that you can drive it home. Read our used car safety checklist.
When can I drive it again?
Only after the recall repair is complete. Ask for a repair order showing the recall number and that the work was done. A few weeks later, check your VIN again to make sure the recall no longer shows as open.
If the manufacturer has not yet made a fix available, the do-not-drive advice still applies. Keep asking about towing, mobile repair and a loaner, and check our latest recalls for updates.
If you have been through a do-not-drive recall, tell other owners how it went. Knowing how long it took and what the manufacturer offered helps the next person.
Questions and answers
What does "Park It Now" mean on a recall?
It means the vehicle should not be driven at all until the recall repair is done, because the defect could cause serious injury or death.
What does "Park Outside" mean on a recall?
It means the vehicle could catch fire even when it is switched off. Park it outside and away from buildings and other vehicles until it is fixed.
Will the manufacturer tow my car for a do-not-drive recall?
Many manufacturers offer free towing or a mobile repair for do-not-drive recalls. It depends on the manufacturer and the recall, so call the dealer or the manufacturer and ask.
Can I drive to the dealer just this once?
No. If the recall says not to drive the vehicle, arrange a tow or mobile repair instead. The risk does not depend on how far you go.