Volkswagen Group of America is initiating a recall affecting practically 14,000 electrical automobiles resulting from a possible energy loss situation linked to defective 12-volt battery chargers.
The recall encompasses a complete of 13,769 automobiles, together with the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 and the 2024-2025 Audi This fall E-Tron and This fall E-Tron Sportback. In keeping with info from the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA), it’s estimated that round 10% of the automobiles included on this recall could also be faulty.
The underlying situation stems from potential condensation throughout the onboard charger, which options an built-in DC-to-DC converter (OCDC). This condensation can result in electromigration on the circuit board, primarily resulting from insufficient protecting coating. In consequence, the OCDC could fail to sufficiently cost the low-voltage battery, which is essential for powering varied equipment and security features.
The NHTSA report signifies that if the 12V battery runs out of energy, the automobile could not begin. Moreover, if the low-voltage battery depletes whereas the automobile is in movement, it might lead to a lack of motive energy, thereby heightening the chance of a crash. Drivers will obtain a number of alerts previous to experiencing a lack of energy, together with seen malfunction indicators on the dashboard, audible alarms, and warning messages.
To resolve the difficulty, licensed Volkswagen and Audi sellers will substitute the OCDC with an upgraded mannequin for free of charge to the homeowners. Volkswagen Group of America has reported receiving 244 claims associated to this downside, with 127 claims originating from ID.4 homeowners and 117 from Audi automobile homeowners.
This incident is harking back to a latest recall by Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis in regards to the Built-in Charging Management Unit (ICCU), which impacts over 200,000 automobiles within the U.S. The ICCU situation arises from overvoltage initially and end of the 12V battery charging cycle, exacerbated by thermal situations throughout operation and charging. Within the case of Hyundai, the treatment entails a software program replace and, if vital, a brand new ICCU.
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