Volkswagen is voluntarily recalling more than 9,000 Audi EVs because an electrical system defect increases the risk of their high-voltage batteries catching fire.
The German automaker discovered that certain Audi Q4 e-Tron and Audi Q4 Sportback e-Tron vehicles with a state of charge above 80% may trigger “thermal propagation,” or the spread of a rapid and uncontrolled temperature increase within the high-voltage battery, according to a safety notice published Oct. 21 on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
While the cause remains under investigation, some batteries within the affected vehicles “may not meet the required quality standards,” Volkswagen said. The automaker added that it is unaware of any claims, crashes, fires, injuries or deaths associated with this issue.
Here’s everything we know about Volkswagen’s Audi recall, including which vehicle models are affected.
Which Vehicles Were Affected by the Recall?
According to Volkswagen, the affected vehicles include Audi Q4 e-Tron and Audi Q4 Sportback e-Tron cars manufactured from 2024 through 2025. Vehicles produced through June 2025 are also included.
Volkswagen said 9,048 Audi vehicles are affected by the recall.
What Should Vehicle Owners Do?
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. has advised owners to charge their affected vehicles to a maximum of 80% capacity until a repair is available, which is currently under development.
According to Volkswagen, the company has evaluated the battery data available for the affected vehicles, and cars that don’t appear to be impacted do not require any other interim measures at this time.
If battery data isn’t available, or indicates that further assessment is required, owners will be advised to limit charging to 80%, and the vehicle can undergo an additional battery diagnostic checks at an authorized Audi dealer.
The 80% recommendation will remain in place as more vehicles are evaluated, and customers will be notified if that’s lifted.
Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk will be mailed by Dec. 18. Additional letters will be sent out once the remedy is available. Consumers are encouraged to contact Audi customer service at 1-(800)-253-2834 with any additional questions or concerns.
Vehicle identifications numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on Friday, Oct. 23.
Reporting by Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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