Volkswagen: Brandgefahr bei E-Autos: VW bereitet den nächsten Rückruf vor

Just weeks after a recall involving one million vehicles due to a screw in the steering column, Volkswagen faces another potentially safety-related recall operation. While smaller in numbers, the latest recall affects several electric vehicle models across Europe. The focus lies on faulty battery cells that can overheat in rare cases, posing a fire risk.

The Handelsblatt newspaper obtained this information from internal company sources. According to these sources, up to a few hundred thousand vehicles within the VW-ID family, specifically the ID.3, ID.4, ID.7, and the ID.Buzz electric bus, could be affected in Germany alone, produced between 2023 and 2025. Additionally, around a thousand Cupra Born models are also reportedly affected.

Skoda models, however, are not included in the recall. Volkswagen confirmed the recall upon request but did not comment on the exact numbers or affected models. As an immediate measure, Volkswagen has reduced the maximum charge level to 80% for affected vehicles, done remotely through software updates. Owners will be informed about the next steps in the coming days.

The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) in Germany had not yet issued a recall notice as of Thursday, though a request to the authority went unanswered. Volkswagen spokespersons stated that internal quality checks had found individual high-voltage battery cells in certain ID-family vehicles to not meet quality standards due to supplier production errors.

Recalls have already been issued for vehicles in the USA and the UK, including the ID.3, ID.4, ID.7, ID.Buzz, and ID.Buzz Cargo models. These actions limit the charge to 80%. Similar actions in the US involve over 22,000 ID.4 vehicles. Owners are advised not to charge the battery beyond 80%. In the US, the recall is under record number 26V630 (VW code 93EX) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The scope of the recall in Europe is still unclear. Volkswagen plans to check the high-voltage battery or affected cell modules in individual cases if vehicle defects are found. Some risky vehicles may receive warning stickers, according to a source familiar with the situation. Affected owners should receive further information in the coming days.

The extent of the recall across Europe remains open. In total, just under 660,000 vehicles were registered in Europe between 2023 and 2025, with about 210,000 in Germany. However, only a significantly smaller portion may be affected, as Volkswagen is narrowing down the recall based on production periods, battery suppliers, and cell generations.

Other manufacturers have also recently recalled electric cars due to battery issues or fire risks. For instance, Mercedes-Benz advised owners of certain EQA and EQB models to limit charging to 80%, while General Motors did the same for the Chevrolet Bolt. In more severe cases, manufacturers even advised temporarily stopping vehicle charging or parking outside buildings due to fire risks.

Despite the recall's relatively minor scale for Volkswagen, it is significant as it involves their electric vehicles during a period of increased sales of electric cars in Europe.