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Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. has issued a recall for high voltage battery packs used in Chrysler, Volkswagen/Audi, and Ford vehicles due to a potential defect that could lead to battery failure and fire risk. The recall impacts 180,196 units, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Campaign Number 25E007000. Affected batteries may experience separator damage leading to thermal overload and internal short circuits, increasing the risk of vehicle fires and loss of drive power.
Key Highlights:
- Recall affects 180,196 battery packs used in vehicles from Chrysler (FCA US), Volkswagen/Audi, and Ford.
- The defect is linked to separator damage within battery cells, which can lead to thermal overload and fire.
- Chrysler, Volkswagen/Audi, and Ford have issued their own vehicle recalls under separate NHTSA campaign numbers (24V-720, 24E-080, 24V-898, and 24V-954).
- Owners should contact their respective vehicle manufacturers for recall remedies.
- NHTSA recommends vehicle owners reach out to their manufacturers or the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for further information.
Defect Details and Safety Risk
According to the recall report, separator damage within battery cells could result in thermal overload or internal short circuits. Chrysler and Volkswagen/Audi state that affected vehicles may experience fires without prior warning, while Ford vehicles may display a “Stop Safely Now” message before failure. The root cause of the defect is still under investigation.
Remedy and Next Steps
Samsung SDI directs affected vehicle owners to contact their respective manufacturers for repair and remedy options:
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC): 1-800-853-1403
- Volkswagen/Audi: 1-800-253-2834
- Ford: 1-866-436-7332
Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit nhtsa.gov for additional details. The recall repair details and timeline will be managed by each vehicle manufacturer separately.
Production and Affected Vehicles
The affected Samsung SDI high voltage battery packs were manufactured between July 1, 2020, and March 28, 2023. The recall impacts:
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) vehicles – 155,096 units
- Audi vehicles – 4,616 units
- Ford vehicles – 20,484 units
As investigations continue, manufacturers are expected to provide further details on corrective measures to prevent potential safety hazards.
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