Volkswagen Group of America is pulling nearly 14,000 electric vehicles off the road due to a potentially dangerous defect. The recall affects 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 and 2024-2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron models because a faulty onboard charger may cause the vehicles to lose drive power while being operated.
The problem centers on the 12-volt battery charging system rather than the main electric drivetrain. Condensation can form inside the onboard charger with an integrated DC-to-DC converter, potentially causing the component to fail. When this happens, drivers may experience a complete loss of motive power, creating a serious crash risk.
Volkswagen Group has received 244 claims related to this issue in the United States, with 127 coming from ID.4 owners and 117 from Audi drivers. The automaker estimates that about 10 percent of the recalled vehicles actually have the defect, but all affected models will receive a free replacement part to prevent potential failures.
Details of the VW ID.4 and Audi Q4 E-Tron Recall
Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 13,769 electric vehicles due to a defect in the 12-volt battery charging system that could leave drivers stranded. The recall affects specific model years of the Volkswagen ID.4 and Audi Q4 E-Tron lineup, with owners facing potential loss of drive power even when the main battery pack remains fully charged.
Specific Models and Years Affected
The recall encompasses 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 models along with 2024-2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron SUV and Q4 E-Tron Sportback variants. According to the NHTSA filing, all 13,769 affected vehicles share the same platform and charging system architecture.
Volkswagen Group has not broken down the exact number of each model included in the recall. However, the company confirmed that all vehicles involved remain under warranty, meaning owners won’t face out-of-pocket expenses for the repair.
The affected models represent some of the newest electric vehicles in both brands’ lineups, with many still in their first year of ownership.
Nature of the Drive Power Loss Issue
Drivers of affected vehicles may experience a loss of drive power that occurs suddenly and without warning in some cases. The problem stems from the 12-volt battery failing to charge, which can trigger multiple electrical system malfunctions.
When the defect occurs, the NHTSA notes that “the vehicle will provide several, major warnings to the driver, and the vehicle will experience reduced driving functions.” These warnings may include dashboard alerts and limited functionality of various vehicle systems.
The most concerning scenario involves the vehicle’s inability to restart once shut off. Drivers could find themselves stranded in parking lots or after brief stops, even though the high-voltage battery pack that powers the electric motors remains fully charged.
Root Cause: 12-Volt Battery Charging System
The onboard charger for the 12-volt battery contains a printed circuit board that lacks sufficient protective coating. This manufacturing defect allows condensation to enter the charging unit and cause electrical malfunctions.
Electric vehicles like the ID.4 and Q4 E-Tron rely on 12-volt batteries to power accessories, displays, and control systems separate from the main propulsion battery. When the onboard charger fails, the 12-volt battery cannot recharge despite the high-voltage battery pack containing adequate power.
The solution requires complete replacement of the faulty onboard charger unit. Dealers will perform this repair at no cost to owners.
Timeline of the Recall and Notifications
Volkswagen and Audi plan to mail owner notification letters on April 29, 2025. VW owners can contact the company’s customer service department at 1-800-893-5298 for more information about recall reference number 93CJ.
Audi has assigned this recall reference number 93FR and established a dedicated customer service line at 1-800-253-2834. Both brands maintain recall websites where owners can check if their specific vehicle is affected.
This marks the second recent recall affecting these platform-mates. Earlier in March 2025, both brands recalled 60,490 vehicles for a software error impacting gear indicator displays.
Remedies, Next Steps, and Impact for Owners
Volkswagen Group of America will replace the faulty onboard chargers at no cost to affected owners, with notification letters scheduled for late April 2025. All vehicles covered by this recall remain under warranty, which means owners shouldn’t face any out-of-pocket expenses for the repair.
Remedy and Repair Process
The remedy is replacement of the onboard charger, which dealers will perform free of charge. The onboard charger for the 12-volt battery may have insufficient protective coating on its printed circuit board, allowing condensation to enter and cause a malfunction.
If a malfunction occurs before the repair, drivers will receive several major warnings and the vehicle will experience reduced driving functions. The 12-volt battery may stop charging even when the high-voltage battery pack has plenty of power, potentially leading to loss of power, electronic issues, or the inability to restart the car once shut off.
Owners should schedule appointments with their local dealerships once they receive notification. The repair involves replacing the defective component manufactured by Robert Bosch in Hungary.
Warranty Coverage and Associated Costs
Both Audi and Volkswagen don’t anticipate having to reimburse customers for any related costs. The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 and 2024-2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron models affected by this recall are all still under their original factory warranties.
This warranty coverage eliminates financial concerns for the 13,769 owners impacted by the recall. Dealers will handle all parts and labor costs associated with replacing the faulty onboard charger.
Recall Codes and Contact Information
Both VW and Audi plan to mail owner notification letters on April 29, 2025. The recall affects specific model years and carries distinct reference numbers for each brand.
VW Contact Information:
- Customer Service: 1-800-893-5298
- Recall Reference Number: 93CJ
- Affected Model: 2024 Volkswagen ID.4
Audi Contact Information:
- Customer Service: 1-800-253-2834
- Recall Reference Number: 93FR
- Affected Models: 2024-2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 E-Tron Sportback
Owners can visit the respective brand recall websites for additional information.
Production Changes and Sales Impact
This marks the second recent recall affecting both the ID.4 and Q4 E-Tron, two closely-related models that share Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform. Earlier in March 2025, the brands announced a recall of 60,490 vehicles for a software error affecting mandatory gear indicators.
VW only recently restarted ID.4 sales after addressing a separate recall for faulty door handles. The Volkswagen ID.4 comes from the Chattanooga, Tennessee facility, while the Q4 e-tron models are manufactured in Germany.
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