The Other Side of a Strong Year
The Volkswagen ID.4 closed out 2025 strong with a 31-percent year-on-year sales increase to 22,373 units, but it is beginning the new year facing two separate recalls. One addresses a software-related issue, while the other is an expanded safety campaign tied to a hardware defect involving misaligned electrodes in the high-voltage battery cell modules. In severe cases, the defect can increase the risk of a battery fire.
As a brief overview, Volkswagen began investigating the issue after several thermal events in various states were reported starting in early 2024. The company initially launched a recall covering 311 model-year 2023–2024 ID.4s last December (25V836) after identifying a manufacturing quality deviation involving its supplier, SK Battery America, Inc.
Double Trouble
The updated recall (26V028) now covers 670 vehicles produced between November 3, 2022, and September 22, 2024. As part of the remedy, the automaker will replace the potentially affected high-voltage battery cell modules. Similar to the earlier safety campaign, owners are advised to limit charging to 80 percent, avoid Level 3 DC fast chargers, and park their vehicles outdoors immediately after charging until the repair has been completed.
Meanwhile, the recall addressing the software-related issue (26V030) affects 43,881 model-year 2023–2025 ID.4s produced between September 2, 2022, and April 10, 2025. According to the recall report, the affected vehicles may experience thermal propagation due to the absence of Self-Discharge Detection (SDD) software, which can increase the risk of a fire. As part of the remedy, Volkswagen dealers will inspect the battery’s health, install updated SDD software, and replace high-voltage battery cell modules if necessary.
Volkswagen
Addressing the Risk of Battery Fires
The German marque plans to notify affected owners about both recalls on March 20, 2026. All battery replacements and software updates will be carried out at no cost, with the company noting that it will not offer a reimbursement plan because the affected vehicles remain within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period.
The U.S.-spec ID.4—produced at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga Assembly Plant in Tennessee—is VW’s sole 26MY electric vehicle offering stateside, as the automaker reportedly reassesses its strategy for the ID. Buzz. Competing against rivals such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the ID.4 is offered with either a 62-kWh or 82-kWh high-voltage battery, with the larger pack delivering an EPA-estimated range of up to 291 miles.
Looking ahead, Volkswagen also plans to update its compact crossover EV for the 2027 model year, reportedly incorporating a new battery technology aimed at improving efficiency and driving range.
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