The Audi i recalling 4,616 plug-in hybrids because of a battery problem that could lead to a fire.
The recall includes some 2022 and 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid crossovers, as well as 2022 Audi A7 hybrid hatchbacks. These cars may have them defective battery modules which can overheat, presenting a fire hazard, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Although the cause of the fault is still under investigation, the safety regulator said “current analysis results indicate that there may have been some manufacturing deviations” that could have led to the overheating issue.
2022 Audi A7
Audi estimates just that 1% of them were returned in fact the cars have the defect, which was discovered in markets outside the US Audi told NHTSA that it is not aware of any injuries, crashes, or fires, related to this issue in the US.
For now, the solution is additional diagnostic softwarewhich Audi expects to be ready in the second quarter of 2025. Vendors will install this software for free when it becomes available.
Some cars have online data monitoring, which Audi will check for problematic modules and advise owners not to charge their cars until the battery is replaced. For vehicles that do not have this data monitoring, owners are advised from the get-go to avoid charging until a final solution has been devised.
Audi plans to send the first letters of notices of Jan. 24, 2025, with a second notice once a final remedy has been devised. Owners can contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 for more information. Audi's reference number for this recall is 93AA.
2022 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid
The Q5 plug-in hybrid arrived for the 2020 model year and impressed us with its excellent driveability, while the A7 plug-in hybrid arrived for the 2021 model year. The two models share a powertrain, returning an EPA-estimated 23 miles of electric range for the Q5 and 26 miles for the A7.
The battery remembers it can turn into expensive and complicated parts for car makers. After attempting a software fix, Jaguar last month decided to recall nearly 3,000 I-Pace crossovers due to a battery problem that presented a fire hazard. General Motors has been forced to replace the battery packs in the Chevrolet Bolt EV as part of its massive recall.