Volkswagen’s Battery Problems Extend to Audi
Earlier this month, Volkswagen rolled out a recall for the ID.4 over a potential battery fire risk. Now, Audi is recalling certain Q4 e-tron electric SUVs over a similar concern involving their high-voltage batteries.
According to paperwork filed with the NHTSA last week, Volkswagen Group of America is yanking back 9,048 Audi vehicles in the US. Both the regular Q4 e-tron and the swoopier Sportback are on the list.
The recall is precautionary, with Audi investigating the underlying issue and developing a permanent remedy.
Audi USA
More Than 9,000 Q4 e-tron SUVs Are Affected
The recall covers 7,040 units of the 2024-2025 Audi Q4 e-tron and 2,008 units of the 2024-2025 Q4 Sportback e-tron. The affected vehicles contain high-voltage battery cells from a potentially problematic production batch.
Audi says certain batteries may not meet required quality standards, possibly due to manufacturing deviations. The root cause remains under investigation, and the battery modules were supplied by SK Battery Manufacturing in Hungary.
Here’s where the problem lies: if you charge these batteries past 80%, there’s a chance heat could start hopping from cell to cell, which could end with your SUV going up in smoke.
Audi started poking around after hearing about battery thermal incidents in other Volkswagen Group rides, like the VW ID.4, last month. Digging deeper, they found a batch of Q4 e-trons with the same battery DNA. The good news? No Audi fires, crashes, injuries, or worse – at least not yet.
Audi
Audi Is Developing a Fix, but Owners May Need to Limit Charging
Audi hasn’t cracked the code on a permanent fix just yet. If your SUV’s battery checks out, you’re in the clear for now. But if your car’s data is missing or needs a closer look, Audi will tell you to keep charging below 80%. Those rides will also get some extra battery TLC at the dealership. Depending on what turns up, there could be more hoops to jump through. The 80% cap stays until Audi cooks up a real solution or gives the all-clear.
Audi will start sending out heads-up letters to owners by December. VIN lookups went live a few days ago through the NHTSA recall system. For now, punch in your VIN and do whatever Audi or your dealer recommends. Not every recalled SUV needs the 80% cap, so double-check before you start stressing.
Â
