Volkswagen recalling 14,000 EVs at risk of losing power while driving in the US

Volkswagen's US operation is recalling 13,769 battery-powered vehicles. The problem is related to the 12-volt battery charger, which might cause the car to lose power.

The models affected by the recall include the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, the 2024 to 2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron, and the 2024 to 2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron Sportback. According to a release by the National Highway Transport Safety Administration (NHTSA), up to 10 percent of these cars could have the defect. Nearly 250 drivers complained about the issue to Volkswagen.

When the car is parked, affected cars might not start. However, it becomes very dangerous when the 12-volt battery fails in motion. Several accessories and safety functions depending on the battery might shut down, but the greatest risk is the car losing motive power, potentially leading to a crash.

The NHTSA advises owners to contact their authorized dealers immediately if they notice symptoms, including audible chimes, warning messages displayed in the instrument cluster, and a noticeable reduction in certain electric vehicle functions. The fix involves replacing the onboard charger (OCDC), which Volkswagen will do for free.