Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. has issued a recall for select 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles following reports of high-voltage battery defects. The campaign addresses potential fire risks stemming from manufacturing deviations at the cell supplier level.
Highlights
- NHTSA Campaign 25V836 affects 311 Volkswagen ID.4 units produced between 2022 and 2024.
- Misaligned electrodes in SK Battery America modules may cause fires while driving or charging.
- Owners are advised to park outdoors and limit charging to 80% pending module replacement.
Recall Scope and Manufacturing Defect
The recall population consists of 311 vehicles identified through specific production records. These units were manufactured between September 16, 2022, and September 22, 2024.
The defect involves individual battery cells within high-voltage (HV) modules that may contain misaligned electrodes. Specifically, a production deviation at the supplier resulted in shifted cathodes within the cells.
SK Battery America Inc., based in Commerce, Georgia, supplied the affected HV Cell Modules. This internal alignment issue was confirmed via tear-down analysis and CT imaging comparison.
Risk Assessment and Chronology
In certain scenarios, the electrode misalignment can lead to a fire, potentially resulting in injury or property damage. The investigation began after a January 2024 thermal event involving a vehicle using a Level 3 DC charger.
Subsequent thermal incidents were reported in California, Utah, and Colorado between July 2024 and August 2025. These events occurred under varying conditions, including while parked, driving, and charging.
Volkswagen’s Product Safety Committee finalized the recall decision on November 26, 2025, following the identification of specific affected modules.
Consumer Warnings and Remedy
Immediate Safety Precautions
Until the repair is completed, Volkswagen advises owners to park vehicles outdoors immediately after charging. Vehicles should not be left charging indoors overnight.
Additionally, owners should set the high-voltage battery system to a maximum state of charge of 80%. Drivers are also instructed to avoid using Level 3 DC chargers to mitigate thermal risks.
Repair Procedures
Dealers will replace the potentially affected HV battery cell modules at no cost to the owner. The replacement components were produced outside the timeframe associated with the quality deviation.
Reimbursement is not offered as the affected vehicles remain within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period.
Notification Schedule
Dealer notifications were scheduled for December 5, 2025. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on or before January 30, 2026.
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