Volkswagen is recalling more than 44,000 ID.4 electric vehicles in the United States due to potential fire risks associated with their batteries, as stated in two recall notices released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Tuesday. Both recalls impact recent model-year ID.4 vehicles and relate to possible issues with the high-voltage battery system.
First Recall Affects 670 ID.4 Vehicles
The first recall is smaller in scale, involving 670 ID.4 vehicles from the 2023 and 2024 model years. Volkswagen has reported to the NHTSA that these vehicles may have a manufacturing defect in their battery cell modules. During a specific production window, the electrodes within the battery cells might have been misaligned, increasing the risk of a fire under certain conditions.
While a permanent solution is being developed, Volkswagen is advising affected owners to take several precautions. These include limiting battery charging to 80 percent, avoiding DC fast charging, and parking the vehicle outside after charging. Volkswagen plans to replace the potentially defective battery modules at no cost once a final solution is ready.
Second Recall Impacts Over 40,000 ID.4 Vehicles
The second recall is significantly larger, affecting 43,881 ID.4 vehicles from the 2023 to 2025 model years. This issue is related to the absence of battery monitoring software. These vehicles lack Volkswagen’s “self-discharge detection” software, which is intended to identify any unusual behavior in the battery.
The recall report indicates that, in rare cases, a high-voltage battery module could face thermal runaway, which can potentially cause a vehicle fire. Volkswagen has noted that a definitive root cause has not yet been established for all reported incidents. As part of the recall process, the company will conduct battery health checks, install updated software, and replace battery modules if necessary.
Both recalls involve battery modules supplied by SK Battery America, a division of South Korean battery manufacturer SK On. Between 2024 and 2025, at least five incidents of battery overheating in the ID.4 were reported in the United States. Investigations have linked these failures to hardware issues, including electrode misalignment within the battery.
The ID.4 is Volkswagen’s top-selling electric vehicle and plays a crucial role in the company’s transition to electric mobility. In 2025, global sales of the ID.4, including the coupe-style ID.5, reached 163,400 units, marking a nearly 27 percent increase compared to the previous year. This recall is likely to impact Volkswagen’s electric vehicle reputation.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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