VW Recalls ID.4 Over 12-Volt Battery-Related Fire Risk
As electric vehicles slowly start to gain traction in the market, issues related to EV architecture also are starting to gain traction. In the last year, we’ve seen major recalls from Ford and GM for battery-related fire risks with their EVs. At first glance, the latest recall from Volkswagen for its ID.4 SUV may appear to be in a similar vein, but the issue actually stems from the smaller 12-volt battery.
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The issue affects model-year 2023 ID.4s equipped with rear-wheel drive. The 12-volt battery-charging cable may contact the steering column shaft and cause the cable insulation to wear, possibly resulting in a short circuit. Such a short may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash, but it also increases the risk of a fire.
Consequently, owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until a remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect the 12-volt battery-charging cable and repair or replace it, as necessary, for free. VW will begin notifying owners Feb. 27, but those with further questions can call the automaker at 800-893-5298 (VW’s number for this recall is 97HA) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236, or visit its website to check their vehicle identification number and learn more.
Editor’s note: This story was updated Jan. 6, 2023, to clarify that the fire risk in question is related to the smaller 12-volt battery-charging cable rather than the larger 400-volt battery.
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