Audi Battery Recall Guide: Safety Bulletins & Dealer Service Campaign Details
You walk out to your garage, ready to plug in your Audi for the night. But then you remember that recall noticeโthe one that said something about your battery and a potential fire risk. Suddenly, charging doesn’t feel so routine anymore.
Battery-related recalls have become a significant focus for Audi in recent years, particularly as the lineup has expanded to include more electric and plug-in hybrid models. These aren’t minor software tweaksโthey’re safety-critical campaigns addressing risks like battery fires and sudden power loss. Understanding which recall affects your Audi and what to do next is essential.
Here’s the quick TL;DR:
Audi has issued multiple battery-related recalls affecting both electric models (e-tron, Q4 e-tron, RS e-tron GT) and plug-in hybrids (A6, A7, Q5). Issues range from battery modules that can overheat and catch fire to 12-volt charging failures that cause sudden power loss. Most recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, and some include interim steps like limiting charging to 80%. Check your VIN immediately on Audi’s recall portal or NHTSA’s website.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple active recalls: Battery issues affect 2019โ2025 e-tron, Q4 e-tron, RS e-tron GT, A6, A7, and Q5 PHEV models .
- Safety risks are serious: Problems include battery fires from overheating modules and loss of drive power from charging failures .
- Repairs are free: Dealers will perform diagnostic software updates or hardware replacements at no cost .
- Interim steps may apply: Some recalls require limiting charge to 80% until the fix is applied. Some PHEV models were advised not to charge at all .
- Some campaigns expand previous recalls: Later actions may replace or supersede earlier repairs, so even if you’ve already had work done, you might need a follow-up .
Major Battery Recalls: What’s Affected
Here are the most significant battery-related recalls announced in recent years.
1. High-Voltage Battery Overheating (e-tron Models)
Affects: 2019โ2022 Audi e-tron Quattro and e-tron Sportback Quattro .
The Problem: Certain high-voltage battery modules can overheat. In a worst-case scenario, this creates a fire risk .
The Fix: Audi dealers install onboard diagnostic software to continuously monitor battery module performance. If the software detects a problem, affected modules are replaced free of charge . Owner notification letters were mailed in April 2025.
Number of vehicles affected: Approximately 26,866 in the US .
2. RS e-tron GT Battery Short Circuit
Affects: 2022โ2024 Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT .
The Problem: The high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit within a battery module, increasing fire risk .
The Fix: This is a multi-stage recall. For vehicles with online data capability, Audi monitors the battery remotely. If a critical module is detected, owners are contacted and advised to charge only to 80% until the module is replaced. For vehicles without online data, dealers perform diagnostic procedures and replace modules as needed .
Status: Interim notices were mailed in late 2024 and early 2025. Final software remedy is expected in Q1 2025. This recall expands and replaces earlier recalls (24V-229 and 24V-228). Vehicles previously repaired still need the new remedy .
3. 48V Battery Power Loss (A6, A7, Q5 PHEV and Others)
Affects: This recall has two parts:
- U.S./Canada Campaign: 2022โ2024 Audi A6, A7, and Q5 plug-in hybrids (PHEV). High-voltage battery modules could overheat during charging, creating a fire risk . Audi advised owners not to charge their vehicles until repairs were complete. The fix involves installing advanced diagnostic software .
- China Expansion Recall: 2022โ2023 imported A7, A8L, Q7, Q8, RS6, RS7, RSQ8, S6, S7, S8, A6 Allroad (20,277 vehicles) and 2021โ2023ๅฝไบง A6L (2,848 vehicles). A manufacturing defect can cause the 48V belt-driven starter generator to lose electrical connection, leading to battery drain and sudden power loss .
Background: This Chinese recall expands a previous recall from December 2024. Dealers check software versions and replace outdated generators free of charge .
4. Q4 e-tron 12V Battery Charging Failure
Affects: 2024โ2025 Audi Q4 e-tron SUV and Q4 e-tron Sportback .
The Problem: The on-board charger (OCDC) can fail, stopping the 12-volt battery from charging. This can result in a loss of drive power, increasing crash risk .
The Fix: Dealers replace the OCDC free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed in May 2025. Audi’s recall number for this is 93FR .
Number of vehicles affected: 13,769 in the US .
5. Earlier e-tron Battery Monitoring Control Module
Affects: Certain 2021 Audi e-tron Quattro and e-tron Sportback Quattro .
The Problem: Due to a process error during battery production, battery module control units were interchanged .
The Fix: Dealers replace the control unit for battery module monitoring. The work takes about two days and is free. This campaign expires on May 25, 2026 .
Number of vehicles affected: Only 15 in the US (12 e-tron Quattro, 3 Sportback), so this is a very small-scale campaign .
What Should You Do?
- Check Your VIN: Go to the NHTSA recall website (nhtsa.gov/recalls) or Audi’s official recall portal and enter your VIN. This is the only way to confirm if your specific car is affected.
- Follow Interim Instructions: Some recalls require temporary steps. For example, the e-tron GT recall advises limiting charge to 80% if online monitoring detects a problem . The PHEV recall for A6/A7/Q5 advised owners not to charge at all until repaired .
- Schedule the Free Repair: Contact your authorized Audi dealer to schedule the recall work. All recalls mentioned here are free of charge .
- Note Expiration Dates: Some campaigns have expiration dates. The 2021 e-tron control unit replacement expires May 25, 2026โafter that, you’ll pay out of pocket .
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if my Audi is affected by a battery recall?
Enter your 17-digit VIN on the NHTSA recall website (nhtsa.gov/recalls) or Audi’s official recall portal. This is the most reliable way to check for open recalls on your specific vehicle.
2. Are battery recall repairs free?
Yes. All recalls mentioned here are performed at no cost to the owner at authorized Audi dealerships .
3. What should I do if my recall says not to charge my vehicle?
Follow the instructions exactly. For the PHEV recall, Audi advised owners not to charge their vehicles until repairs were completed . For the e-tron GT recall, you may be advised to limit charging to 80% . These are safety measures to reduce fire risk.
4. What is the difference between the e-tron battery overheating recall and the RS e-tron GT short circuit recall?
They are separate issues affecting different models. The e-tron recall (2019-2022) addresses modules that can overheat. The RS e-tron GT recall (2022-2024) addresses a potential short circuit in battery modules. Both increase fire risk .
5. Does this affect the Q4 e-tron?
Yes. The Q4 e-tron has a separate recall for the on-board charger (OCDC) that can fail and stop charging the 12-volt battery, leading to loss of drive power .
6. I already had a battery repair done. Do I still need this recall?
Possibly. Some recalls expand on or replace previous ones. For example, the RS e-tron GT recall expands and replaces earlier recalls, and vehicles previously repaired under those recalls still need the new remedy . Check your VIN to confirm.
References
Trusted Resources for Audi Recall Information
Have you checked your Audi for active recalls? Share your experience in the comments belowโand don’t forget to check your VIN today!
