VW recalls more EVs over battery-cell fire risk

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Volkswagen is recalling more electric models over supplier battery-cell defects and advises an 80% charge limit for now.

Volkswagen is recalling more electric cars, this time over battery cells that may be defective, Euronews reports. In the worst case, VW says, a fire can't be ruled out. Recalls are reported to be under way in the U.S. and UK, and VW is now preparing campaigns in Germany and other markets.

According to authorities cited by Euronews, about 22,000 ID.4s are affected in the U.S. VW told Handelsblatt that several thousand vehicles are affected overall, and blamed production faults at suppliers during a specific production window. The defect can expose the batteries to higher thermal stress.

Handelsblatt reports the ID.3, ID.4, ID.7, ID. Buzz and Cupra Born built between 2023 and 2025 are among the affected models, though VW has not confirmed that list. The recall had not yet appeared in the database of Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) when Euronews published.

Until the cars are checked, VW recommends that potentially affected owners charge to no more than 80%. Some vehicles will be called into service centers to inspect the batteries. If no fault is found, the charging limit will be lifted. If a defective battery is found, VW says the high-voltage module may not need replacing and could potentially be fixed with a software update. Affected owners will get a letter.

This comes shortly after another big recall. Euronews says a faulty screw led VW and Audi to recall about 2.86 million vehicles worldwide in September because steering could fail.

If you own one of the models listed, watch for a letter from VW and follow the 80% charging advice in the meantime. In the U.S., you can also check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup.

Sources: Euronews