Summary
- Audi has issued a recall for the E-Tron GT and RS E-Tron GT electric cars due to potential battery issues that could lead to short circuits and fires
- The recall affects 6,499 vehicles from model years 2022-2024 and is related to a similar recall for the Porsche Taycan, as both models share the same platform and hardware
- Production issues with battery modules could lead to internal short circuits, overheating, and fires
- Audi will install new diagnostic software in affected vehicles, with replacements expected to be available in the first quarter of 2025
- Owners will be notified by mail on November 29 and can contact Audi customer service for more information or if their vehicle is affected by the recall
Article
Audi has issued a recall for its E-Tron GT and RS E-Tron GT electric cars due to potential battery issues that could result in short circuits and fires, affecting 6,499 vehicles from model years 2022-2024. This recall follows a similar one for the Porsche Taycan, with over 27,000 vehicles affected. The Audi and Porsche EVs share the same Volkswagen Group J1 platform and fast-charging hardware, leading to overlapping recalls for both models. The NHTSA stated that “production issues” with battery modules could cause defects that lead to internal short circuits, overheating, and fires.
Battery concerns previously prompted a recall in April for the same models, involving smaller populations of 1,042 E-Tron GT, RS E-Tron GT electric vehicles, and 606 Taycans. It remains unclear if the new recalls are linked to the issues identified in April, but the problems and solutions are consistent. Audi plans to install new diagnostic software in affected vehicles, which is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2025. Until the software is ready, dealers will conduct inspections and advise owners to limit charging to 80% capacity until faulty battery modules can be replaced at no cost.
Owners of affected vehicles will receive notification letters from Audi starting on November 29, with the option to contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 for more information. The recall is identified by two reference numbers: 931A for vehicles with online data monitoring already enabled, and 931B for those without. Dealers will monitor for problematic battery modules, and if found, owners will be asked to restrict charging to 80% until the affected module can be replaced free of charge by an authorized Audi dealer.
In addition to the battery short-circuit recalls, the E-Tron GT/RS E-Tron GT and Porsche Taycan were previously recalled for a battery seal issue. Later in the year, Audi and Porsche also recalled the mobile charging cable for these models and other EVs and plug-in hybrids, providing a new version with improved thermal safety features. The recalls reflect the industry’s ongoing efforts to address safety and quality concerns in electric vehicles, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to ensure the reliability and safety of EVs on the road.
The shared platform and technology across Audi and Porsche EV models contribute to the interconnected nature of recall activities, demonstrating the need for coordinated responses to address common issues efficiently. The implementation of diagnostic software updates and proactive inspections by dealers aim to identify and rectify potential battery module defects before they escalate into safety hazards. Audi’s commitment to resolving these issues and ensuring the wellbeing of its customers underscores the importance of communication, transparency, and swift action in handling vehicle safety concerns in the electric vehicle market.
As the electric vehicle market continues to expand, manufacturers must remain vigilant in addressing potential safety risks associated with battery technology. The recalls for the E-Tron GT, RS E-Tron GT, and Porsche Taycan highlight the complexities of battery management in high-performance electric vehicles and the critical importance of reliable battery systems in ensuring the safety and functionality of electric cars. By proactively identifying and addressing battery-related issues, Audi and Porsche are taking proactive steps to enhance the safety and performance of their electric vehicles and maintain customer trust in the growing EV market.
Read the full article here
