Volkswagen Recalls Nearly 100,000 EVs Globally Due to Battery Module Defects
Volkswagen Group is conducting a recall of approximately 94,000 electric vehicles worldwide, citing potential defects in battery modules that could lead to reduced driving range and, in rare cases, a fire risk. The recall impacts several models built on the MEB platform between February 2022 and August 2024.
Affected Models and Production Details
The recall encompasses 74,579 vehicles from Volkswagen’s ID. Series – including the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.Buzz, and ID.Buzz Cargo – and 19,452 units of the Cupra Born. The ID.3, ID.4, and ID.5, along with the Cupra Born, were manufactured at Volkswagen’s Zwickau plant in Germany, while the ID. Buzz variants were produced at VW Commercial Vehicles in Hanover.
Approximately 28,000 of the affected vehicles are registered in Germany, with 22,182 Volkswagen-badged and 5,976 Cupra-badged vehicles within the German market.
The Nature of the Defect and Potential Risks
According to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), individual modules within the high-voltage battery may not meet specification. This can result in a reduction in driving range and the illumination of a yellow warning indicator on the dashboard. The KBA has also noted a potential risk of fire, while no incidents of property damage or personal injury have been reported to date.
Recall Procedures and Customer Action
Volkswagen will implement a two-step process to address the issue. A software update will be installed to detect potential battery irregularities, and a thorough inspection of the high-voltage battery modules will be conducted. Any modules found to deviate from specifications will be replaced. Customers will be contacted in the coming days to schedule an appointment at their local service center.
Battery Sourcing and Investigation
For the affected model years, Volkswagen sourced battery cells from external suppliers and assembled the modules in-house. The KBA documents do not specify the exact nature of the deviation in the battery modules, leaving the root cause of the issue under investigation.