Volkswagen’s EV Recall Spreads to Audi, Owners Told to Stop at 80% Charge
The recall affects 9,048 Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 Sportback E-Tron vehicles from model years 2024 to 2025.
Volkswagen’s ongoing battery recall has expanded to include Audi vehicles, affecting more than 9,000 electric SUVs. Owners of the impacted models are being advised to limit charging to 80% of battery capacity to mitigate fire risks.
What Happened
In a letter sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on October 23, Volkswagen Group of America announced a recall affecting 9,048 Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 Sportback E-Tron vehicles from model years 2024 to 2025. This follows an earlier recall issued this month for 22,524 Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUVs, model years 2023 to 2026. The recall stems from a risk of thermal propagation, or battery fire, when the vehicle is charged above 80% under certain conditions. Audi’s Product Safety Committee was informed of battery thermal events involving other Volkswagen Group EVs that share the same battery components. An internal investigation by Audi confirmed that the Q4 E-Tron models possess the same battery and production characteristics as the previously impacted vehicles, with the majority produced for the North American market.
Why It Matters
The expansion of the recall highlights a systemic battery issue within the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, impacting multiple brands and models. While Audi states it is not aware of any claims, crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths associated with the Q4 E-Tron’s battery issue, the precautionary measure significantly impacts daily usability for owners. Until a permanent remedy is available, owners must limit charging to 80%, which reduces the vehicle's available range. Audi plans to mail interim notification letters to owners on December 18, 2026. Affected owners can visit authorized Audi dealers for diagnostic checks and temporary state-of-charge limits. This issue is not limited to the US; Volkswagen Group recently issued recalls in Germany affecting over 72,000 EVs worldwide, including ID. Buzz, ID.3, ID.4, ID.7, and Cupra Born models.
The Bottom Line
Volkswagen Group has recalled 9,048 Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 Sportback E-Tron vehicles in the US due to battery thermal risks. Owners are advised to limit charging to 80% until a software or hardware remedy is deployed, with interim notifications expected in December 2026.
