The incident was reported just before 10:30 p.m. near the busy intersection of Van Nuys Boulevard and Sherman Way, according to authorities.
The Toyota vehicle was completely destroyed and small butane cannisters were seen in the debris in the aftermath of the explosion.
SUV apparently explodes in Van Nuys parking lot
The incident happened in a Super King Market parking lot, near a Pollo Campero restaurant. Crime-scene tape cordoned off the area.
Authorities say the man had propane tanks inside the car and they exploded after the man lit a cigarette.
He suffered minor injuries.
Crews cleaned up the scene and the car was impounded.