VW ID.4 and Audi Q4 E-Tron recalled for loss of drive power

Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 13,769 VW and Audi electric vehicles because of a battery issue—but not with the high-voltage battery packs that drive these vehicles.

The recall of 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 and 2024-2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 E-Tron Sportback models focuses on the charging system for the 12-volt battery. This can prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging even when there’s plenty of juice in the high-voltage battery pack, leading to loss of power, electronic issues, or the inability to restart the car once it’s shut off, according to the NHTSA.

Even electric cars sometimes have 12-volt batteries to run electrical systems not related to propulsion, and these can fail as they age. But the issue here is with the onboard charger for the 12-volt battery, which may have insufficient protective coating on a printed circuit board, according to the NHTSA. That can allow condensation to enter and cause a malfunction.

If such a malfunction is detected, “the vehicle will provide several, major warnings to the driver, and the vehicle will experience reduced driving functions,” the NHTSA said.

The remedy is replacement of the onboard charger, which dealers will do free of charge. Audi and Volkswagen not anticipate having to reimburse customers for any related costs as all of the vehicles involved are still under warranty.

Both VW and Audi plan to mail owner notification letters Apr. 29. VW owners can also call that brand’s customer service department at 1-800-893-5298 or visit its recall website for more information. Audi has its own recall site and customer service department, which can be reached at 1-800-253-2834. VW’s reference number for this recall is 93CJ, while Audi’s is 93FR.

This is the second recent recall affecting both the ID.4 and Q4 E-Tron, two closely-related models that share the VW Group’s MEB platform. Earlier this month the two brands announced the recall of 60,490 vehicles for a software error that could prevent mandatory gear indicators from displaying correctly. And VW only just restarted sales of the ID.4 after a recall for faulty door handles.