Volkswagen Recalls 45,000+ ID.4 SUVs for Battery Fire Risks

Volkswagen has recalled more than 45,000 ID.4 electric SUVs in the United States over risks of high-voltage battery fires stemming from manufacturing defects and software shortcomings. The recalls, announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, affect vehicles from the 2023 through 2025 model years produced at the company's Chattanooga, Tennessee, plant using batteries from SK Battery America in Georgia. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed starting March 20.

The largest recall involves 43,881 vehicles built between September 2, 2022, and April 10, 2025. According to NHTSA documents, these ID.4s lack self-discharge detection software, which could allow battery modules to overheat in rare cases, potentially leading to thermal propagation and fire. Volkswagen and its suppliers have not pinpointed a definitive root cause despite extensive analysis of cell modules and vehicle data. Owners of affected vehicles may experience reduced driving range or performance as early indicators. To address the issue, dealers will perform a free battery health check, install the updated software, and replace any defective modules if needed.