Volkswagen Recalls Audi E-Tron models for Battery Fires

Volkswagen Group is recalling various 2022-2024 Audi E-Tron GT and the RS versions because the high-voltage battery may undergo a short circuit without warning and cause a fire. This is the result of the same safety defect that caused the recall of Porsche Taycan hybrids, according to documents released today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (See AutoInformed on: Porsche Recalls Taycan Hybrids for Battery Fires and Audi E-Tron and Porsche Taycan EVs Recalled for Battery Fires).

The Audi E-Tron GT is a substantially similar vehicle and uses the same HV battery modules from LG energy Solution in Wrocław, Poland. As of 22 March 2024 Audi is not aware of any warranty claims, injuries, crashes or fires due to this safety defect.

Chronology

• On 6 December 2023 Audi was informed by Porsche that a safety-related defect in HV battery modules in some Porsche Taycan vehicles had been determined and a safety recall had been decided. Because the Audi E-Tron GT is a substantially similar vehicle and uses the same HV battery modules, Audi submitted a foreign recall report under 49 CFR Part 579 and started the investigation for Audi.
• December 2023 – March 2024: Audi started investigating this issue together with Porsche and the battery cell/module manufacturer, using in particular data analytics and hardware analyses. With this additional investigation and analyses, on 15 March 2024 Audi determined that a safety-related defect exists in vehicles. Because there are different batches of potentially affected Audi E-Tron GT vehicles there are different recalls. – code 93VM and 93VN. 93VM applies to a vehicle population where Audi has sufficient vehicle battery data. 93VN applies to a vehicle population where Audi does not or not yet have access to sufficient vehicle battery data.

Owners are advised to only charge their vehicles to a maximum of 80% battery capacity until the repair has been completed. Dealers will analyze the battery data and replace the high-voltage battery modules as necessary, free of charge as required by US safety regulations. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed 21 May 2024. Second letters will be mailed once the remedy is available.

Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 93VN. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.