Porsche and Audi have known for a year that there have been potential fire issues with their respective Taycan and e-Tron EV sedans. Liquid has the potential to creep into the batteries, which can cause arcing and ultimately lead to a fire. Porsche is recalling 4,777 2023 Taycan models. Audi is recalling 1,899 2023 e-Tron EVs. Both share the same electric platforms. 

In September 2022, both brands began using Teroson to seal off the batteries during production. But then, in March 2023, there were still more reports of liquid entering the batteries. So it then began using an “enhanced Teroson sealant” this past May. But now reports of low resistance and liquid intrusion are prompting the recall. 

How many vehicles are in the Taycan/e-Tron recall?

The brands estimate that of the 6,676 vehicles in this recall, only about 3% could possibly have a liquid intrusion. Each respective brand’s dealers will inspect potential vehicles for leaking. It states that if leakage is found, it will replace the battery in its entirety. 

One indication that there could be a problem is if the system detects insulation resistance values dropping. Initially, a yellow light will show up on the dash. If the resistance values continue to fall, the light will change to red. But we all know conscientious owners will want to bring their EVs to a dealer upon seeing the yellow light, right?

Have there been other recalls for Volkswagen Group EVs?

Overall, the taycan/e-Tron recall follows a troubling trend of the “potential for fire” accompanying stories about EVs. Also troubling is that the Volkswagen Group knew for over a year there was the potential for just such an event to occur before issuing this recall. Should there have been fires occurring, which it says there have not been, it does damage to Audi and/or Porsche. But also to the perception of all EVs by those spooked by potential fire. Which everyone should be. 

Volkswagen had to recall its iD.4 earlier this year, but it wasn’t over the EV battery pack. Instead, it was the 12-volt accessory battery that was the culprit. But there have been reports of fires at both charging stations, as was the case recently in Tracy, California, and in China after a collision, killing all four passengers.

VW has also issued recalls. One was in March 2022, of over 100,000 PHEVs with insufficient insulation of the high voltage battery. Heat could cause the engine cover to catch on fire. 

How do I receive more information about the Taycan/e-Tron recall?

There have also been two incidents of fires aboard cargo ships carrying EVs exploding into fires that damaged thousands of cars. The first one, in February 2022, was aboard the Felicity Ace, with 4,000 vehicles, including Porsche, Audi, Bentley, and Lamborghini cars. 

The other was earlier this year when a cargo ship caught fire 17 miles west of Ameland, a Dutch island. Reuters said at first the cause was an EV catching on fire, then backtracked, saying the cause was “unknown.” 

For those with questions or concerns about this recall, you can contact the Porsche or Audi Recall Lookup or the NHTSA. Otherwise, those with vehicles in this recall will receive notices within the next few months.