Samsung SDI has initiated a recall for high voltage battery packs used in Chrysler, Volkswagen/Audi, and Ford vehicles due to a potential defect that could increase the risk of battery failure and fire.
This recall affects 180,196 battery packs, identified under the NHTSA Campaign Number 25E007000. The defect involves damage to the battery separator, which could result in thermal overload and internal short circuits, heightening the risk of vehicle fires and the loss of drive power.
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The recall spans several vehicle brands: Chrysler, Volkswagen/Audi, and Ford, which have issued their own vehicle-specific recalls. Chrysler is recalling 155,096 units, Volkswagen/Audi is recalling 4,616, and Ford is recalling 20,484.
Owners of affected vehicles are advised to contact their respective manufacturers for further instructions and remedies. Affected vehicle owners can also reach out to the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for additional information.
Samsung SDI’s recall follows a report identifying that separator damage could lead to either a fire without warning in Chrysler and Volkswagen/Audi vehicles or a “Stop Safely Now” message before failure in Ford vehicles. The root cause of the defect is still under investigation.
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Affected battery packs were manufactured between July 1, 2020, and March 28, 2023. The next steps for affected vehicle owners are to contact Chrysler, Volkswagen/Audi, or Ford for details on repairs and solutions. Each manufacturer will manage the recall and repair process separately, as part of ongoing efforts to address safety concerns.