The high-voltage batteries in many electric models could catch fire under certain circumstances. A recall procedure has been launched for several brands including Porsche and Jaguar.
Recall procedures for Teslas always cause a lot of noise because of the volumes of vehicles involved. However, other manufacturers, including premium ones, are not immune from having to recall their electric vehicles. This is the case for Porsche, which is encountering two distinct problems with Taycan batteries, which could lead to an increased risk of vehicle fire. Audi and Jaguar are also affected by recalls concerning the high voltage battery.
The recall notice for the Porsche Taycan appeared on the government Rappel Conso website this Friday, April 26, even though the information had already been known to the brand for several weeks. It concerns Porsche Taycans produced between October 2019 and July 2023. A procedure which could lead to particularly long immobilization in certain cases.
Two faults on the Porsche and Audi high voltage battery
The Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT share a common base, so both brands will suffer similar recalls on certain parts. This is the case for the high voltage battery. Even if the recall published last week in France only concerns Taycans, Audis are a priori affected in Germany. This should therefore be the case in France as well.
Two problems were detected in Germany:
- A loss of cell voltage fault in the high voltage battery, which can cause a short circuit and, through thermal runaway, a vehicle fire. The modules concerned must be changed in the workshop.
- A problem with insufficient sealing of the high voltage battery, which could threaten the proper functioning of the battery and lead to an increased risk of fire.
The affected models should not be returned to the workshop immediately, unless a red error light appears on the vehicle screen. Support by Porsche will take place gradually, drivers of these vehicles must contact their dealership, if the brand has not already done so. Owners are advised not to charge their battery to 100% while waiting.
In Germany, the Automobilwoche site pointed out the fact that changing defective battery modules could lead to quite long vehicle downtimes in certain centers. The availability of parts and qualified personnel is not sufficient in the country to respond to these two consecutive recalls.
Jaguar also affected by a battery problem
The Rappel Conso site also published on April 12 a recall procedure for the Jaguar i-Pace. The procedure also concerns a risk of fire due to a malfunction of the high voltage battery.
Possible short circuits in the battery cells may occur in models produced in 2019 and 2020. The battery may overheat when charged beyond 85%. There is therefore a risk of thermal runaway.
Premium manufacturers aren’t just concerned about battery issues. BMW has a recent recall process underway for the i5, i7 and iX1 for possible brake system failures. Mercedes EQA and EQB electric cars are also affected by a steering software defect which could increase the risk of accidents.
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