Nearly 44,000 Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles are being recalled due to a potentially faulty battery that could cause fires, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.
The recall affects model years 2023 through 2025.
The NHTSA said “the high-voltage battery modules may experience thermal propagation, possibly resulting in a vehicle fire” in rare circumstances. A root cause has not been identified despite significant analysis.
CHECK YOUR PANTRY | Thousands of McCafé K-Cups recalled over labeling error
The recall follows three reported incidents of high-voltage batteries overheating. Although no cause has been determined, the agency said updated self-discharge detection software would have warned of a potential self-discharge before the incidents occurred.
The NHTSA noted that affected vehicles could experience a loss of range prior to overheating.
Volkswagen said it will check the battery health of affected vehicles and update their software. The company will replace high-voltage batteries when needed. Because of the age of the vehicles, they remain under warranty, and owners should not face any out-of-pocket expenses.
Volkswagen reported the three incidents to NHTSA.
Owner notification letters are expected to begin going out in March with instructions on where to have vehicles inspected.
RELATED STORY | Volkswagen minibus gets electric makeover with new ID. Buzz model
