Volkswagen to Recall Thousands of Electric Vehicles Over Battery Fire Risk

German automaker Volkswagen (VW) is preparing a new recall campaign due to manufacturing defects identified in the batteries of some electric vehicles. The defect could, in certain circumstances, cause the battery to overheat and create a fire risk.

Recall procedures have already begun in the United States and the United Kingdom. In the US, approximately 22,000 ID.4 electric vehicles are reportedly affected by the issue. Several thousand vehicles are also expected to be recalled in Germany.

According to Handelsblatt , the problem was identified during internal quality inspections and is linked to manufacturing defects at battery suppliers. The fault is reportedly limited to vehicles produced during a specific manufacturing period.

According to reports, the issue may affect Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.7, ID. Buzz and Cupra Born models manufactured between 2023 and 2025. However, the company has not yet officially confirmed that all these models will be included in the recall.

Volkswagen has advised owners of potentially affected vehicles to charge their batteries to no more than 80%. The company plans to ask owners to bring their vehicles to service centers for battery inspections. If no defect is found, the charging restriction will be lifted. In some cases, the issue may also be resolved through a software update.

This is not Volkswagen's first recall in recent months. In September, approximately 2.86 million Volkswagen and Audi vehicles worldwide were reportedly recalled due to a screw defect that could cause problems with the steering system.

Meanwhile, electric vehicles account for a significant share of Volkswagen's sales. According to the company, fully electric vehicles represented 20% of total deliveries in the first three quarters of 2026. This means that one in every five vehicles delivered was fully electric.

Although the company is facing declining demand, particularly in the Chinese market, it is working to maintain its position in Germany's electric vehicle market.