Notable Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Incidents Worldwide
Across the globe, there have been numerous high-profile cases where lithium-ion battery-powered electric vehicles have caught fire under various circumstances. Here are some key incidents illustrating the range of risks:
- Vehicles catching fire after collisions, even at moderate speeds, resulting in tragic injuries or fatalities—for example, incidents reported in California and Florida, some involving high-speed impacts or striking roadside debris.
- Fires breaking out during home charging sessions, sometimes while parked in residential garages. Notable cases include incidents in Belgium and California, where firefighters went to extraordinary lengths—such as submerging the car in water overnight—to extinguish stubborn battery fires.
- Spontaneous combustions while vehicles were parked and not charging, with reports from as far afield as Shanghai and Antwerp showing cars erupting in flames hours after being left idle.
- Multiple occurrences where cars reignited hours or even days after the initial blaze, causing concern for both owners and first responders dealing with rekindled fires in tow yards or garages.
- Several situations gained widespread attention, including tweets from celebrities and coverage by national media outlets following incidents where cars began smoking or caught fire in traffic with no warning.
- Investigations by federal agencies, such as the National Transportation Safety Board, have followed some of the more severe collisions to evaluate battery safety and fire suppression efforts.
- In response to certain fire incidents, automakers have even issued software updates intended to improve thermal management and mitigate further risk.
These cases underscore just how challenging and unpredictable lithium-ion battery fires can be—whether the vehicle is charging, parked, or involved in a collision. Each incident adds to the growing call for enhanced safety measures, better training for emergency responders, and increased manufacturer accountability.
For a free legal consultation, call (303) 465-8733
Why Are Teslas Catching Fire?
Electric vehicles (EVs) like Teslas are celebrated for their technology and eco-friendliness. But an alarming number of Tesla owners have reported battery fires, sometimes with devastating consequences. At Jordan Law, we have represented multiple clients whose Tesla vehicles caught fire unexpectedly.
The website tesla-fire.com reports that there have been at least 232 incidents reported of Tesla cars catching fire. It also reports that 83 people have died in these accidents. What’s especially scary about these fires is that first responders need special training to put them out. Additionally, Tesla has electric doors which can malfunction when the battery is on fire.
If your Tesla caught fire in Colorado, you may have a claim. This is also true if you were injured or had property damage from a battery fire. You might be able to file a product liability claim.
Tesla’s lithium-ion battery packs are powerful, but they can pose serious risks:
- Thermal runaway: Overheating can cause a chain reaction leading to intense, uncontrollable fires.
- Impact damage: Crashes can puncture the battery pack and ignite a fire even at low speeds.
- Charging issues: Some fires link to home charging equipment or supercharging stations.
- Manufacturing defects: Errors in assembly, battery management software, or quality control can make fires more likely.
Unlike typical car fires, lithium-ion battery fires can be difficult to extinguish. They may reignite hours or days later, posing a serious threat to drivers, passengers, first responders, and property.
How Has Tesla Responded to Battery Fire Concerns?
Tesla has not ignored the risks associated with its lithium-ion batteries. Over the years, the company has taken several public steps to address fire safety and assure customers:
- Warranty Coverage: Recognizing the dangers, Tesla announced that fire-related incidents—even those resulting from driver error—would generally be covered under the vehicle’s warranty. However, this warranty does have limits. It typically lasts eight years or up to 125,000 miles for most models, and there are exclusions for damage from collisions or preexisting issues, leaving some owners unprotected after certain accidents.
- Software Updates: In response to high-profile incidents and government investigations, Tesla released over-the-air software updates designed to improve battery thermal management. For instance, after a widely reported fire in a Hong Kong parking garage, Tesla pushed out a software fix intended to reduce the risk of overheating, citing an “abundance of caution.”
- Public Statements and Regulatory Cooperation: The company has acknowledged the seriousness of battery fires, sometimes referring to them as “critical safety issues.” Additionally, Tesla has responded to investigations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after news of multiple battery fires surfaced.
These measures show an ongoing effort to address safety concerns—but they may not fully protect every owner or cover every possible situation involving battery fire.
Product Liability and Tesla: Who Is Responsible?
Under Colorado law, manufacturers are strictly liable for injuries caused by defective products. That means you don’t have to prove negligence—only that the vehicle was defective and caused harm.
Potentially liable parties can include:
- Tesla Motors, Inc. (for design or manufacturing defects)
- Battery suppliers
- Charging equipment manufacturers
- Dealerships (in certain circumstances)
If your Tesla caught fire without an obvious cause, you may have a claim even if it was a single-vehicle incident.
Types of Losses You Can Recover
Product liability cases involving EV fires can lead to significant compensation for:
- Medical expenses for burns or smoke inhalation
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage (including your home or garage if the car ignited while charging)
- Lost wages if you were unable to work
- Wrongful death damages in the most tragic cases
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Real-World Cases of Tesla Fires
Tesla fires have been reported around the world. Some high-profile examples include:
- Teslas suddenly catching fire while parked
- Fires after minor collisions
- Garage fires during home charging
These incidents are often widely covered in the news and have led to investigations by federal agencies and safety experts.
At Jordan Law, we have helped Colorado residents who experienced these terrifying events. We understand the technical, legal, and emotional complexities involved.
Why Choose Jordan Law for Your Tesla Fire Case?
Product liability lawsuits against major automakers are complex. They often involve:
- Engineering experts
- Fire origin and cause investigators
- Battery chemistry specialists
- Aggressive corporate defense teams
At Jordan Law, we are true trial lawyers with a track record of taking on tough product defect cases. We know how to build a case that can stand up in negotiations or court.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
What Should You Do If Your Tesla Catches Fire?
- Call 911 – Your safety comes first. Battery fires are dangerous.
- Document everything – Photos of the damage, any warning lights, fire reports.
- Preserve the vehicle – Don’t authorize disposal until your lawyer advises.
- Contact an attorney – The sooner you talk to us, the better we can investigate and preserve critical evidence.
Contact Jordan Law Today
If your Tesla caught fire in Colorado, you may have a valid product liability claim. Don’t face a giant automaker alone. Jordan Law has the resources, experience, and determination to fight for you.
Attorney Anne Dieruf is Jordan Law’s product defect specialist. With over 15 years of practice, Anne has extensive experience suing large auto manufacturers for auto-related defects. Speak to Anne today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tesla fires common?
While relatively rare, Tesla fires are often severe when they occur. Lithium-ion battery fires burn hotter and longer than gasoline fires.
Do I need to prove Tesla was negligent?
In product liability cases, you only need to show the car was defective and caused your injuries. You don’t need to prove Tesla knew about the defect.
How much is my case worth?
Every case is unique, but damages can include medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.