Audi Issues 2nd Recall for Battery Fire Risk

The company warned its high voltage battery could experience a ’thermal overload' if charged to maximum capacity.

The Audi E-Tron Sportback electric car is shown at AutoMobility LA on Nov. 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. David McNew/Getty Images

Audi has recalled more than 100 electric vehicles due to a manufacturing defect that could cause a fire.

A notice published by the Australian government shows the 123 Audi E-Tron 55 and 55 Sportback EVs have been recalled.

“Due to a manufacturing defect, the high voltage battery may experience a thermal overload if charged over 80 percent capacity,” the March 21 notice states.

“If this occurs, the battery could overheat and lead to a vehicle fire.”

The recall page warns a vehicle fire could elevate the risk of “serious injury or death” to people in the car and other road users or bystanders. It also risks damaging property.

The notice impacts Audi E-Tron 55 and 55 Sportback EVs manufactured between 2018 and 2022.

Audi Australia will contact the owners of these vehicles to have the battery inspected for free. Owners have also been advised to limit the charging target to 80 percent capacity.

The recall notice says the owner can change this setting under the charging target menu in the multi-media interface or myAudi app.

“While the software upgrade development is underway, it is strongly advised that the owner returns the vehicle for an inspection and potential replacement of the battery every four months,” the notice states.

Audi also had to recall 222 Audi e-Tron GT vehicles in January 2024 due to an issue with the sealing of the high-voltage battery housing.

EV Sales Double Across the Country

New data released on March 15 reveals EV sales more than doubled in 2023, according to the Electric Vehicle Council. The figures include both EVs and plug-in hybrids, which increased by 120 percent in 2023.

Australians bought 98,436 new EV’s in 2023, making up 8.45 percent of new cars sold in the nation, the report (pdf) showed.

Charging infrastructure in Australia also surged by 75 percent in 2023, with 348 new areas added across the country.

“With the EV fleet more than doubling in size during 2023, Australia also saw an increase in the number of public DC charging locations from about 464 at the end of 2022, to about 812 at the end of 2023,” the report stated.

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was the most popular jurisdiction for EV sales, with 21.9 percent of new vehicle sales being EVs.

Suzuki JIMNY and Ford F150 Vehicles Recalled

Meanwhile, 286 Suzuki JIMNY 2018 to 2019 vehicles have also been recalled amid a manufacturing defect.

According to the notice, a fuel pump impeller could swell and result in the fuel pump stopping working.

This could result in a loss of power, which elevates the risk of an accident and the potential for serious injury or death.

“Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by Suzuki QLD in writing, or they can contact their nearest Suzuki dealer to schedule an appointment to have the fuel pump replaced, free of charge,” the recall notice published on March 21 states.

Also, on the same day, a recall notice for the 2021 to 2023 Ford F150 RHD Long Wheel Base vehicle was issued. This impacts 2020 vehicles.

The notice states there is no safety hazard related to the recall and the defect will not impact vehicle performance.

“The vehicle may have been fitted with side direction indicator lamps that do not comply with the Australian Design Rule 13/00—Installation of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices on other than L-Group Vehicles,” the notice says.