Volkswagen Recalls Almost 73,000 Electric Vehicles Over Battery Defects

Volkswagen has launched a recall covering close to 73,000 EVs worldwide. Until a fix is ready, VW will cap charging on affected cars at 80% of the battery's maximum capacity.

Which EVs are part of the Volkswagen recall?

Following the launch of a US recall filed with the NHTSA earlier this month, which covers 22,524 ID.4 electric SUVs in America, data from Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) shows that several thousand more EVs are affected worldwide.

Three separate recalls are now being examined by the KBA, affecting 72,668 EVs globally, including 9,881 in Germany.

The recall covers particular batches of the ID. Buzz, ID.3, ID.4, and ID.7 models built between 2022 and 2025, along with Cupra Born models from 2022 to 2024.

Volkswagen began the recall after an in-house probe determined that some battery cells made during that timeframe fail to meet specifications. The problem originates with a supplier defect.

Volkswagen said that in certain cases, “certain charging profiles combined with a state of charge over 80% may trigger thermal propagation,” which can lead to a battery fire.

Until a fix becomes available, Volkswagen is asking owners to restrict charging to 80% of maximum capacity. Where technically feasible, VW stated: “the maximum available charging capacity will be temporarily limited to 80% by the system.”

In the US, Volkswagen sent emails to owners affected by the recall, stating that, unless they opt out by October 21, it “intends to apply a temporary vehicle setting that limits charging to 80%.”

The update will be pushed remotely and appear in the mobile app on or about October 27, 2026. Some owners have already received it.

Volkswagen is still developing a remedy. Letters explaining the risks are due to be posted on November 27, 2026. When the fix is ready, VW will send further letters.