Audi Recalls Vehicles Again Due to Battery Fire Hazard
The company cautioned that its high voltage battery could undergo a ‘thermal overload’ if charged to maximum capacity.
Audi has issued a recall for over 100 electric vehicles due to a manufacturing flaw that could potentially result in a fire.
An announcement from the Australian government indicates that 123 Audi E-Tron 55 and 55 Sportback EVs are affected by the recall.
“In such a scenario, the battery could overheat, leading to a vehicle fire.”
The recall notification highlights that a vehicle fire could pose a heightened risk of “serious injury or death” to individuals inside the car, as well as other travelers or bystanders, and may also cause property damage.
The recall pertains to Audi E-Tron 55 and 55 Sportback EVs manufactured between 2018 and 2022.
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Audi Australia will be reaching out to the owners of these affected vehicles to conduct a complimentary inspection of the battery. Owners are advised to limit the charging capacity to 80 percent.
The recall notice mentions that owners can adjust this setting in the charging target menu within the multi-media interface or myAudi app.
“While the software upgrade is in progress, owners are strongly recommended to return the vehicle for inspection and potential battery replacement every four months,” the notice specifies.
EV Sales Double Across the Country
New data released on March 15 reveals a more than twofold increase in EV sales in 2023, as per the Electric Vehicle Council. The figures encompass both EVs and plug-in hybrids, which saw a 120 percent rise in 2023.
Charging infrastructure in Australia also surged by 75 percent in 2023, with 348 new locations added nationwide.
“With the EV fleet more than doubling in size during 2023, Australia also saw an increase in the number of public DC charging locations from about 464 at the end of 2022, to about 812 at the end of 2023,” the report points out.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) emerged as the most favored jurisdiction for EV sales, with EVs constituting 21.9 percent of new vehicle sales.
Suzuki JIMNY and Ford F150 Vehicles Recalled
Meanwhile, 286 Suzuki JIMNY vehicles from 2018 to 2019 have been recalled due to a manufacturing issue.
According to the notification, a fuel pump impeller could swell, causing the fuel pump to cease functioning.
This could result in a loss of power, increasing the risk of an accident and the potential for serious injury or death.
Additionally, on the same day, a recall notification was issued for the 2021 to 2023 Ford F150 RHD Long Wheel Base vehicle. This pertains to the 2020 models.
The notification clarifies that there is no safety hazard associated with the recall, and the defect will not affect vehicle performance.
