Owners of certain plug-in hybrids are being urged to take their vehicles into a service center due to a potential fire risk associated with faulty battery packs supplied by Samsung SDI. Jeep, Ford, and Audi plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are affected by this issue, with the high voltage battery packs posing a risk of failure and fire.
Despite a software update intended to address the battery fire risk, Samsung SDI has indicated that the fix may not have been effective. As a result, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is advising owners to park their vehicles outside and refrain from charging them until further notice. The solution to this problem may involve a full battery replacement.
The recall impacts a total of 180,196 vehicles from Jeep, Ford, and Audi, spanning various model years. Jeep models affected include the 2020-2024 Wrangler 4xe and the 2022-2024 Grand Cherokee 4xe. Ford vehicles included in the recall are the 2020-2024 Escape PHEV and the 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring (PHEV). Audi models affected are the 2022-2023 Q5 PHEV and the 2022 A7 PHEV.
The defective battery issue was initially identified by each automaker and subsequently confirmed by Samsung SDI. The affected plug-in hybrids are capable of running on engine power alone, but owners are advised to exercise caution and park their vehicles outside to minimize the risk of fire. The damaged battery cells have the potential to cause a short circuit, leading to a battery fire.
This recall is reminiscent of the widespread recall of the Chevy Bolt EV in 2021, which also involved faulty battery cells supplied by LG. In this case, Samsung SDI will need to replace the battery packs in the affected vehicles, as the software update may not have resolved the issue completely.
Owners of Jeep 4xe, Ford Escape and Corsair PHEVs, and Audi Q5 and A7 PHEVs are encouraged to contact their respective automakers for remedy information. Jeep owners can reach out to Jeep at 800-853-1403 or visit Jeep’s recall hub, Ford owners can contact Ford at 866-436-7332 or visit Ford’s recall hub, and Audi owners can get in touch with Audi at 800-253-2834 or visit Audi’s recall hub for more information.
It is crucial for owners of these affected vehicles to prioritize their safety and follow the recommended steps to address the potential fire risk associated with the faulty battery packs. By taking proactive measures and staying informed, owners can ensure the continued safety and functionality of their plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
