VW recalls EV models over battery fire risk

Volkswagen is preparing a recall in Germany for several electric model lines. The reason is possible production defects in individual battery cells from an external supplier. According to the manufacturer, these cells can cause the high-voltage battery to overheat; in the worst case, there is a fire risk when fully charged. Until a final technical remedy is available, the Battery Care Mode will be permanently activated by software in affected vehicles and charging will be limited to 80 percent. The normally available option to override this setting on the vehicle display will be temporarily disabled.

Affected models and scope

A complete official model and model-year list for Germany is not yet available. Volkswagen mainly refers to vehicles from the 2023 and 2024 production years of the ID. model lines. Based on currently known information, the VW ID.3 and VW ID.4 are likely to be included; at Cupra, the Born is affected. Volkswagen sees no need for action for Skoda models. In Germany, the issue is expected to involve around 11,000 vehicles. The recall is to run through the Federal Motor Transport Authority once affected battery cells have been assigned to the modules and vehicles, and owners can be identified via the vehicle identification number.

In the United States, Volkswagen has already announced a recall for 22,524 ID.4 vehicles from model years 2023 to 2026. There, too, the issue concerns a possible problem with the high-voltage battery and an increased fire risk; until the final solution, the vehicles should be charged to a maximum of 80 percent. It is currently unclear whether the U.S. vehicles fully match the cars affected in Germany technically and in terms of production periods. The U.S. action follows an earlier recall in which Volkswagen recalled nearly 100,000 electric cars worldwide over possible battery problems.

What owners can do

• Affected customers are to be informed in writing. Anyone who wants clarity beforehand can have a Volkswagen or Cupra dealer check whether their own car is affected using the vehicle identification number.
• In some vehicles, the high-voltage battery will first be checked in the workshop. If the result is unremarkable, no further measures are needed. For vehicles with an abnormal result or defective cells, Volkswagen is still developing permanent remedies.
• Depending on the vehicle, the 80 percent limit can also be set up via an over-the-air update without a workshop visit. In addition, affected customers are to receive an interior sticker with the notification letter indicating the maximum charge of 80 percent.