Owners of certain plug-in hybrids from Jeep, Ford, and Audi are being urged to take their vehicles into a service center due to a potential battery fire risk. The battery packs in these vehicles, supplied by Samsung SDI, may need replacement despite a previous software update intended to address the issue.
The affected vehicles include 154,032 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe models, 20,484 Ford Escape PHEVs and Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring PHEVs, and 4,616 Audi Q5 and A7 PHEVs. The original recalls were announced by each automaker separately in the previous year, with Samsung SDI’s recent disclosure confirming the extent of the defective battery problem.
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and refrain from charging them, as the faulty battery cells could potentially lead to a fire due to separator damage. This issue is similar to the one that prompted the widespread recall of the Chevy Bolt EV in 2021, where LG paid GM $1.9 billion to cover the costs of the recall.
Given the complexity of the situation, where Samsung SDI supplied defective batteries to multiple automakers with potentially different specifications, the remedy for the issue may involve a full battery replacement. This was the case with the Bolt EV recall, which incurred significant expenses due to the battery pack replacement.
Owners of the affected Ford vehicles may see a “Stop Safely Now” message on the instrument cluster if there is a problem, while Jeep and Audi have advised on specific indicators of potential issues. Samsung SDI has acknowledged the heightened fire risk and recommended contacting the respective automakers for further information on how to address the problem.
If you own a Jeep 4xe, Ford Escape or Corsair PHEV, or Audi Q5 or A7 PHEV, it is crucial to contact the manufacturer for guidance on how to proceed. Jeep can be reached at 800-853-1403 or through their recall hub, Ford at 866-436-7332 or via their recall hub, and Audi at 800-253-2834 or through their recall hub.
Stay informed and take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of your vehicle and those around you. It is essential to address potential battery issues promptly to prevent any safety hazards.
