Volkswagen is recalling 22,524 ID.4 electric SUVs in the United States over a potential high-voltage battery defect that could cause thermal runaway and, in the worst case, a vehicle fire. Until a permanent remedy is available, the automaker is advising owners to limit battery charging to a maximum of 80%.
The recall covers Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles from model years 2023 through 2026, according to a notice submitted to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Volkswagen has not yet determined the precise cause of the issue but has identified certain charging profiles combined with a state of charge above 80% as potential triggers.
The company estimates that approximately 0.1% of the recalled vehicles are affected by the defect. Between January 2024 and August 2026, Volkswagen received 22 related reports or complaints in the United States.
Volkswagen Investigates High-Voltage Battery Risk
The affected vehicles use high-voltage battery cells supplied by SK Battery America. Volkswagen said the issue could result in thermal runaway under certain charging conditions, potentially creating a fire hazard.
Depending on the vehicle configuration and its online connectivity, some ID.4 models may receive a technical limitation that restricts charging to 80%. Volkswagen will also display warning messages as an interim safety measure.
The investigation began in June. In September, Volkswagen’s Product Safety Committee determined that a voluntary recall was warranted because of the potential safety consequences, despite the root cause remaining unidentified.
The campaign is registered under Volkswagen recall code 93EX and NHTSA reference number 26V630. The first owner notifications are expected to be sent by November 27.
Latest Recall Follows Earlier ID.4 Battery Campaigns
The new action follows two US recalls initiated in January that covered a combined 44,551 ID.4 vehicles. Those campaigns concerned battery cells with misaligned electrodes supplied by SK Battery America.
Although the latest recall also involves batteries from the same supplier, Volkswagen has not confirmed that the underlying defect is the same. The company has so far identified only the potential connection between specific charging profiles, battery charge levels above 80% and thermal runaway.
In spring, Volkswagen also recalled nearly 100,000 electric vehicles worldwide over potential battery issues, including almost 44,000 ID.4 units in the United States.
The latest campaign adds to the scrutiny of the ID.4’s high-voltage battery systems while the manufacturer continues investigating the precise cause and developing a permanent repair.
Separate Seatbelt Recalls Affect Volkswagen and Cupra Models
Separately, Volkswagen Group is conducting technically unrelated recalls involving seatbelt anchoring systems in several newer models. The campaigns affect the Volkswagen ID. Polo and the Cupra Raval and Terramar.
The ID. Polo recall covers 1,109 vehicles worldwide, including 239 in Germany. The affected vehicles were produced between July 21 and September 3, 2026. The passenger-side seatbelt system may not have been correctly secured to its anchoring point on the B-pillar, potentially reducing occupant protection in a crash.
Volkswagen is conducting this campaign under code 69G1, with German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) reference number 17099R.
The separate Cupra campaign covers 10,151 Raval and Terramar vehicles worldwide, including 1,936 in Germany. The affected production period runs from June 7, 2025, to September 3, 2026.
In these vehicles, the front seatbelts may not be correctly secured at the lower anchoring point. The recall carries campaign code 69C8 and KBA reference number 17072R.
Inspections and Repairs Planned at Authorised Workshops
Volkswagen and Cupra owners affected by the seatbelt campaigns will be asked to have their vehicles inspected at authorised workshops. Where necessary, the relevant seatbelt will be replaced.
The KBA has not received reports of property damage or injuries related to the two seatbelt recalls.
While the seatbelt campaigns concern restraint-system installation, the ID.4 recall involves a separate potential high-voltage battery safety issue. Volkswagen’s immediate guidance for affected ID.4 owners remains to keep the battery charge level at or below 80% until a permanent solution becomes available.
