Volkswagen is recalling 22,524 ID.4 electric crossovers over a battery-related fire risk, with the automaker still unable to identify the issue’s root cause or develop a permanent fix. The latest recall affects vehicles produced between January 1, 2023, and February 1, 2025, and owners are being advised to limit charging to 80% while Volkswagen investigates the problem.
Volkswagen ID.4 Recall Targets Battery Fire Risk
According to an amended recall report shared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), certain Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles could experience thermal propagation, a process that can lead to a fire. Volkswagen has not yet determined what causes the issue.
The latest action adds to a series of ID.4 recalls this year, many of which have involved batteries that could catch fire. The problem has also led some owners to file lawsuits against the German automaker.
For the affected vehicles, Volkswagen plans to use an over-the-air software update where possible to temporarily restrict maximum charging capacity to 80%. However, the company has not yet developed a permanent remedy.
Volkswagen says only certain charging profiles combined with a state of charge above 80% may trigger the sequence of events that could lead to a fire. The automaker is therefore advising owners to keep their batteries at or below that threshold while the investigation continues.
Root Cause of the ID.4 Battery Problem Remains Unknown
Volkswagen has not established whether the issue stems from a particular charging rate, energy recuperation or another factor. The company’s Product Safety Committee has been reviewing the matter since ordering a field study in June of this year.
The ongoing investigation follows earlier recall reports and litigation related to the battery issue. Despite those developments, Volkswagen has yet to determine precisely what triggers the potentially dangerous sequence of events.
The automaker has also advised owners to familiarize themselves with their vehicles’ owner’s manuals to ensure they follow the charging guidance correctly.
Volkswagen Seeks Answers From Battery Supplier
Last month, the Volkswagen Group Product Safety Committee requested “additional clarifications […] concerning the production measures and the potential clean date” from its battery cell supplier, SK Battery America Inc.
The request indicates that Volkswagen is examining whether production methods could be linked to the problem and whether batteries manufactured after a particular point may no longer be affected.
Volkswagen said vehicles outside the identified production range “contain cells that were produced outside the suspect range or contain cells that have sufficiently recent and complete data indicating charging usage below the defined threshold.”
The distinction could help Volkswagen identify which vehicles are affected, although the company has not announced a permanent repair or estimated when one will be available.
When Will Volkswagen ID.4 Owners Get a Fix?
Owners should not expect an immediate permanent solution. Volkswagen anticipates sending interim notifications on November 27, while the affected vehicle identification numbers (VINs) are already searchable.
However, the automaker has not estimated a date range for the permanent remedy, indicating that identifying and resolving the underlying problem could take time.
Does the New Volkswagen ID. Tiguan Have the Same Issue?
Volkswagen has replaced the ID.4 name with ID. Tiguan as part of an effort to position its electric vehicles more closely alongside its combustion-powered models. The new ID. Tiguan has not yet been revealed in U.S. specification and is offered with a larger battery.
The available information does not establish that the new model is affected by the ID.4 battery problem. Meanwhile, owners of the 22,524 vehicles covered by the recall are being advised to limit charging to 80% as Volkswagen continues investigating the cause and working toward a permanent remedy.
