Volkswagen Calls Back ID.4 SUVs for Fire Risks

Volkswagen and some owners of its ID.4 sport utility vehicles face a new safety issue: the cars could burst into flames.

The automaker recently announced it is calling back some 700 vehicles whose battery cells may be defective. It also warned owners to park outside until their cars are repaired to avoid fires that start in cars and potentially spread to houses and other structures. 

“Individual battery cells in certain high-voltage (HV) battery cell modules manufactured during a certain production period may contain misaligned electrodes,” Volkswagen said in letters to owners of recalled vehicles. “In certain situations, a misaligned electrode in the HV battery cell may lead to a fire.”

Volkswagen began looking into the situation after receiving reports of files, it said in a recall notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The automaker initially issued the recall without determining how to fix the problem. Now, the company says it will replace defective batteries in the recalled cars.

The recall covers certain 2023-2024 ID.4 SUVs. Owners who have not received letters can check the NHTSA website to see if their vehicles are included in the recall.

Volkswagen advises owners to take additional precautions until their cars are inspected and fixed. They should limit vehicles to a maximum charge of 80% and avoid using Level 3 DC chargers, according to the automaker. 

Owners should also go to authorized service providers to address the recall. “Because the battery cell module(s) that need to be replaced under this recall have been pre-identified by the factory for each affected vehicle, this recall work must be performed only by a certified Volkswagen battery repair dealer,” the company said.

Electric Vehicle Fire Risks

Volkswagen is not the only global auto manufacturer struggling with defects that can cause fires in electric cars. 

Volvo recently said it is calling back more than 40,000 EX30 sport utility vehicles. The company told NHTSA the cars’ battery packs could overheat, causing them to short-circuit and catch fire. 

Mercedes-Benz announced earlier this year that it is recalling 12,000-plus EQB electric sport utility vehicles due to similar issues with their high-voltage battery systems. It is the second time the automaker has recalled the 2022-2024 SUVs for the same issue.

How the California Lemon Law Works

Car owners and lessors in California have some valuable rights and protections under the state’s lemon law.

The California lemon law requires automakers to perform a variety of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. The law also requires the companies to buy back or replace cars that they cannot or simply refuse to fix. That includes covering the car’s purchase price, financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts required before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Speak with a Sacramento Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a Sacramento lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Sacramento lemon law attorney.