Volkswagen Recalls 22,524 ID.4 EVs Over Battery Fire Risk, Caps Charging at 80%

Volkswagen is recalling 22,524 ID.4 electric SUVs in the United States because the high-voltage battery could catch fire. The recall covers model years 2023 through 2026, specifically vehicles produced from January 1, 2023, through February 1, 2025. In a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration dated October 6, 2026, VW said the root cause is still unknown, but that certain charging profiles combined with a state of charge above 80% could trigger thermal propagation, a chain reaction of overheating between battery cells that may result in a vehicle fire.

Until a final remedy is ready, VW is urging owners to limit charging to 80% or below. The company estimates that only about 0.1% of the recalled vehicles actually have the defect, but it is treating the risk seriously based on field data and the potential safety consequences of a battery failure. The recall follows an earlier campaign this year that covered nearly 100,000 electric vehicles globally, including nearly 44,000 ID.4s in the US, and applies to vehicles that were not included in those previous battery recall campaigns.

The timeline shows how the recall came together. On June 17, 2026, during an ongoing review of high-voltage battery thermal events in the field, preliminary data pointed to a possible influence from specific isolation-resistance values and DC-charging ratios. VW's Product Safety Committee then ordered a field study of complete battery systems from vehicles outside its earlier recall campaigns. The committee reviewed those results on September 21, 2026, requested additional information from the cell supplier about production measures and a potential clean date, and on September 23, 2026, decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

The battery cells come from SK Battery America Inc. of Commerce, Georgia. The recall covers three high-voltage battery part numbers: 11K.915.599.A, 11K.915.599.D, and 11K.915.592.D. VW determined the recall population using vehicle assembly records, battery traceability information, supplier production records, and available vehicle charging data. Vehicles outside the population either contain cells produced outside the suspect range or have recent and complete charging data showing usage below the defined threshold.

In the US, Volkswagen said it had received 22 claims related to the issue between January 18, 2024, and August 7, 2026. The final remedy is still under development. As an interim risk-reduction measure, all affected owners will receive warning stickers reminding drivers not to charge above 80%. Depending on vehicle configuration and online connectivity, some vehicles may also be remotely configured to cap the maximum state of charge at 80%.

The filing does not include a Park Outside or Do Not Drive advisory, and VW will not offer a reimbursement plan because the affected vehicles are still within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period. Dealer notification was planned for October 6, 2026, the same day affected VINs became searchable on NHTSA.gov. Interim owner letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed on November 27, 2026, with additional letters to follow once a fix is available under a phased recall.

Owners with questions can contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. VW's recall number is 93EX and the NHTSA campaign number is 26V-630. Anyone can check whether a specific vehicle is included by searching a VIN, license plate, or year, make, and model on NHTSA.gov or through the agency's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.