Audi E-Tron Battery Could Short Circuit
Certain 2022-2024 Audi E-TRON GT and RS E-TRON GT models could be at risk of experiencing a short circuiting within the high-voltage (HV) battery module. This recall builds upon prior recalls (codes 93VM and 93VN, associated with NHTSA recall numbers 24V-229 and 24V-228) but includes additional safety measures to address concerns about the long-term health of the battery cells.
The earlier recalls, issued as a precautionary step, involved the collection and analysis of vehicle battery data to determine if any HV battery modules needed to be replaced. Vehicles identified as having potentially faulty modules had their high-voltage battery components replaced, and the recall process was considered complete at that time. However, since then, Audi has made new discoveries that indicate individual cells within the HV battery modules can change or deteriorate over time. These changes may not have been immediately apparent during the initial recall actions but could pose a risk over the life of the vehicle, which is why Audi is expanding the recall to ensure that long-term battery performance is closely monitored.
The core remedy of this recall involves installing a new on-board diagnostic software system that will monitor battery health and detect any data anomalies in the high-voltage battery module. If any irregularities are detected, the affected modules will be replaced. This software solution is currently under development and is expected to become available in the first quarter of 2025.
In the meantime, Audi has outlined interim measures to protect vehicle owners until the software update is ready. For vehicles that are equipped with online data monitoring capabilities (designated under recall code 931A), Audi will remotely track battery data and performance. This allows the company to continuously evaluate the condition of the high-voltage battery and identify potential risks. If any critical issues are found, Audi will notify the owner directly and recommend that they limit their vehicle’s charging capacity to no more than 80%. This precautionary step is intended to reduce the risk of a battery malfunction while Audi arranges for the vehicle to be serviced. Owners will be instructed to bring their vehicle to an authorized Audi dealer, where the affected HV battery modules will be replaced.
For vehicles that do not have online data monitoring (recall code 931B), Audi dealers will perform diagnostic tests on the high-voltage battery during scheduled maintenance or as needed. These diagnostic procedures are designed to detect any potential issues with the battery cells. If a problem is identified, the dealer will replace the necessary battery module assemblies at no cost to the owner. In these cases, the owner will also be advised to limit their vehicle’s charging capacity to 80% until a permanent fix is available. This interim measure will help prevent battery malfunctions while ensuring that owners can still safely use their vehicles. In some cases, the diagnostic inspection may need to be repeated before the final software solution is available in early 2025.
Owner notification letters will begin being mailed to affected customers on November 29, 2024. These letters will inform owners of the recall details, outline the interim measures they should follow, and provide instructions on how to proceed with vehicle servicing.
The recall applies to a specific batch of 2022-2024 E-TRON GT and RS E-TRON GT vehicles, many of which were part of the earlier recalls. Importantly, this new recall expands and replaces the prior recall actions covered under codes 24V-229 and 24V-228. As a result, even vehicles that had their high-voltage battery modules replaced during the previous recall campaigns will still need to undergo the new software installation. This ensures that all vehicles in the recall group benefit from continuous battery health monitoring going forward. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned the new recall the campaign number 24V-726.