2023 Volkswagen ID4 Electrical Fire Risk

On 2023-01-16 13:23:03

Volkswagen Group of America have determined that a defect exists in certain 2023 Volkswagen ID4 rear wheel drive vehicles. In rare cases, the problem could result in a fire near the left front end of the vehicle. As a precaution, owners of affected vehicles are advised to park outside and away from buildings or other structures, and other vehicles.

 

Volkswagen became aware of the problem in December 2022 during a dealership pre-delivery inspection where the dealer noticed that there was a production deviation on one of the vehicles. Based on the dealers report, an investigation was opened at both the supplier and the vehicle assembly plant.

 

The investigation found that certain 12V battery connecting cables received from the supplier were out of specification which could account for the subject production deviation. The bend in the cable assures adequate clearance from the steering shaft and if the bend is wrong, the cable could contact the steering column, wear through, and short.

 

If the vehicle develops a short circuit due there will be warning messages in the display advising of low 12V battery charge while driving. In rare cases it is possible that there may be a burning smell, smoke, sparks or fire near the left front of the vehicle.


As a precaution, owners of affected vehicles are advised to park outside away from buildings or other structures and other vehicles due to the potential risk of vehicle fire due to this condition. The affected cable is a low voltage cable therefore there is no risk of a high-voltage electric shock to occupants or
servicing technicians.

 

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their Volkswagen dealer to have the 12 Volt battery charging cable inspected and repair as necessary. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97HA and the NHTSA Campaign Number is 22V-956.