Volkswagen ID.4 Battery Fire Recall, Two NHTSA Campaigns Cover 44,551 EVs (26V030 and 26V028)

Volkswagen Group of America has recalled certain 2023–2025 Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUVs because the high-voltage battery can overheat and cause a fire. Two separate campaigns were filed with NHTSA on January 21, 2026:

• NHTSA 26V030 (Volkswagen 93EA): 43,881 vehicles, 2023–2025 model years, high-voltage battery modules that may undergo thermal propagation.
• NHTSA 26V028 (Volkswagen 93EW): 670 vehicles, 2023–2024 model years, battery cells that may contain misaligned electrodes.

Together, that is 44,551 vehicles across two campaigns, not one single recall. Repairs are free. Your VIN determines which campaign, if any, applies to your ID.4, so check it at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Volkswagen ID.4 Battery Recalls: Quick Facts

Detail	NHTSA 26V030 (VW 93EA)	NHTSA 26V028 (VW 93EW)
Vehicles	43,881	670
Model years	2023–2025 ID.4	2023–2024 ID.4
Production dates	Sep 2, 2022 – Apr 10, 2025	Nov 3, 2022 – Sep 22, 2024
Problem	High-voltage battery modules may experience thermal propagation, possibly causing a fire	Misaligned electrodes in certain high-voltage battery cells may lead to a fire
Cause	Joint analysis with the supplier has not led to a clear root cause; certain supplier deviations may result in self-discharge	Supplier quality deviation within a certain production period
Remedy	Battery health check, updated Self-Discharge Detection (SDD) software, and replacement of affected cell modules as needed	Replacement of potentially affected high-voltage battery cell modules
Cost	Free	Free
Estimated percentage with defect (per Volkswagen)	1%	100%
Cell module supplier	SK Battery America Inc.	SK Battery America Inc.
VINs searchable on NHTSA	January 23, 2026	January 23, 2026
Planned owner notification	March 20, 2026 (phased)	March 20, 2026 (phased)
Volkswagen contact	800-893-5298	800-893-5298

An earlier related recall, NHTSA 25V836, was filed by Volkswagen on December 3, 2025 and amended on December 15, 2025, for the same type of misaligned-electrode condition.

Which Volkswagen ID.4 Models Are in the Battery Fire Recalls?

NHTSA 26V030 covers certain 2023, 2024 and 2025 ID.4 vehicles. The population was set from production records, and the recalled vehicles are those built without Volkswagen’s Self-Discharge Detection (SDD) software. ID.4 vehicles with 82 kWh batteries were built with updated battery management software starting January 17, 2024.

NHTSA 26V028 covers certain 2023 and 2024 ID.4 vehicles that contain battery modules with the cells the supplier identified.

Because these campaigns overlap in time and parts, do not rely on model year. Use the VIN lookup.

What Is the Battery Defect in the Volkswagen ID.4 (NHTSA 26V030)?

Volkswagen reported that, in rare circumstances, the high-voltage battery modules may experience thermal propagation, possibly resulting in a vehicle fire. In its filing, Volkswagen states that its joint analysis with SK Battery America “has not led to a clear root cause determination,” but that certain deviations at the module supplier may result in self-discharge. Volkswagen recalled the vehicles anyway.

Volkswagen said vehicle data from three failures, dated May 22, June 23 and October 31, 2025, indicated the updated SDD software would have detected potential self-discharge in advance.

Drivers may notice a loss of range and/or performance if the recall condition is present, according to the filing.

What Is the Misaligned-Electrode Defect in the Volkswagen ID.4 (NHTSA 26V028)?

Volkswagen says a quality deviation at its battery cell supplier produced misaligned electrodes in individual cells in certain high-voltage battery modules. In certain situations, a misaligned electrode may lead to a fire.

Have Volkswagen ID.4 Battery Fires Occurred?

Volkswagen’s NHTSA filing describes these thermal events, each with the area of origin traced to the high-voltage battery:

• January 18, 2024, Illinois: a vehicle charging at a Level 3 DC charger.
• July 2, 2024, California: a parked vehicle that was not charging.
• October 6, 2024, California: a parked vehicle that was not charging.
• December 6, 2024, Utah: a vehicle being driven.
• August 15, 2025, Colorado: a vehicle charging at a Level 3 DC charger.

These events do not mean every recalled ID.4 will catch fire. The filing does not report injuries.

What Should Volkswagen ID.4 Owners Do Until the Repair?

For NHTSA 26V028 (Volkswagen 93EW), Volkswagen’s filing says that until the remedy is performed, customers should:

1. set the high-voltage battery to an 80% state of charge limit;
2. avoid Level 3 DC fast chargers; and
3. park outdoors immediately after charging and not leave the vehicle charging indoors overnight.

For NHTSA 26V030 (Volkswagen 93EA), the remedy description in the filing does not list the 80% limit or the DC fast charging restriction. NHTSA’s reports for both campaigns do list consumer advisory tags that include “Park Outside,” and a “Do Not Drive” tag appears next to it. Because the wording is ambiguous, call a Volkswagen dealer or 800-893-5298, give your VIN and ask exactly what Volkswagen wants you to do with your vehicle before the repair.

If you see smoke, smell burning or suspect a battery fire, move away from the vehicle and call 911. Do not try to open or repair the high-voltage battery.

How Will Volkswagen Fix the ID.4 Battery Recalls?

• 26V030: at no cost, the dealer performs a battery health check, installs updated SDD software and replaces potentially affected high-voltage battery cell modules as needed based on the inspection or a software warning.
• 26V028: at no cost, the dealer replaces the potentially affected high-voltage battery cell modules.

Neither remedy, as described, automatically replaces the whole battery pack.

How to Check Your Volkswagen ID.4 VIN for NHTSA 26V030 and 26V028

1. Find your 17-character VIN on the lower-left corner of the windshield, your registration or your insurance card.
2. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
3. If an open recall appears, contact a Volkswagen dealer or call 800-893-5298.

VINs became searchable on January 23, 2026, and Volkswagen planned remedy owner notification, as a phased recall, beginning March 20, 2026. Do not wait for a letter if you have not checked.

Does Federal Law Require Volkswagen to Fix the ID.4 for Free?

Yes, within the statute’s limits. Volkswagen filed these recalls under 49 CFR Part 573, which covers manufacturer defect reports to NHTSA, and 49 U.S.C. § 30120 requires manufacturers to provide recall remedies without charge. In both filings, Volkswagen states it will not offer a reimbursement plan because the recalled vehicles are within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period.

Can Volkswagen ID.4 Owners Get Money From These Recalls?

The remedy is a free repair. These recalls do not announce a settlement or cash payment. A recall and a class action are different processes, and no ID.4 battery class action settlement program is part of NHTSA 26V030 or 26V028. Be skeptical of sites claiming a settlement check.

If an ID.4 battery failure caused a fire, injury or property damage, you may have separate legal claims under your state’s law. A recall does not by itself prove that the recall condition caused a particular fire, and it is not an admission of liability.

What if My Volkswagen ID.4 Already Caught Fire?

• Preserve the vehicle and battery components where possible, and do not let them be scrapped without first talking to your insurer and an attorney.
• Keep fire department reports, photos, charging records, towing and storage records, insurance records, dealer records, recall notices and medical records.
• Consider speaking with a licensed attorney in your state.

Volkswagen ID.4 Battery Recall Timeline

Date	Event
January 18, 2024	Illinois thermal event, vehicle on a Level 3 DC charger
July 2 and October 6, 2024	California thermal events, parked and not charging
December 6, 2024	Utah thermal event, vehicle being driven
August 15, 2025	Colorado thermal event, vehicle on a Level 3 DC charger
December 3, 2025	Volkswagen files NHTSA 25V836 (amended December 15, 2025)
January 21, 2026	Volkswagen files NHTSA 26V030 and 26V028
January 23, 2026	VINs searchable on NHTSA.gov
March 20, 2026	Planned remedy owner notification (phased)

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Volkswagen ID.4 Battery Fire Recall FAQs

Is the Volkswagen ID.4 recalled for battery fires?

Yes. Volkswagen filed NHTSA 26V030 (43,881 vehicles) and 26V028 (670 vehicles) on January 21, 2026.

How many Volkswagen ID.4s are recalled?

44,551 across the two campaigns: 43,881 plus 670.

Which Volkswagen ID.4 years are affected?

Certain 2023–2025 vehicles under 26V030 and certain 2023–2024 vehicles under 26V028. Check your VIN.

What is Volkswagen recall 93EA?

Volkswagen’s number for NHTSA 26V030.

What is Volkswagen recall 93EW?

Volkswagen’s number for NHTSA 26V028.

Can an ID.4 battery catch fire while parked and not charging?

Volkswagen’s filing describes two California events involving parked vehicles that were not charging.

Should I park my recalled ID.4 outside?

For 26V028, Volkswagen says to park outdoors immediately after charging and not to charge indoors overnight until the repair. For 26V030, confirm with a Volkswagen dealer.

Should I limit charging to 80% and avoid DC fast charging?

For 26V028, yes, per Volkswagen’s filing, until the repair is done.

Is the Volkswagen ID.4 battery repair free?

Yes, at no cost to owners.

Will Volkswagen replace my entire ID.4 battery?

Not necessarily. The remedies involve a battery health check, software and replacement of affected cell modules as needed.

Is there an ID.4 battery recall settlement?

No settlement or payment program is part of these recalls.

What if my ID.4 caught fire?

Keep all evidence and records and consider speaking with a licensed attorney in your state.

What Volkswagen ID.4 Owners Should Do Now

Check your VIN. If 26V030 or 93EA appears, schedule the battery health check and software installation. If 26V028 or 93EW appears, follow Volkswagen’s 80% charge limit, DC fast charging and outdoor parking instructions and arrange the module replacement. Ask your dealer whether your vehicle should be driven before the repair.

Sources

• NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN
• NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report 26V030 (Volkswagen 93EA)
• NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report 26V028 (Volkswagen 93EW)
• 49 U.S.C. § 30120

This article is general legal information, not legal advice. AllAboutLawyer.com is not a law firm. A recall does not by itself establish liability, and your rights depend on your facts and state law.

Researched and written by Israr Ahmad, legal content researcher and founder of AllAboutLawyer.com. All facts verified against NHTSA’s Part 573 Safety Recall Reports for 26V030 and 26V028 (Volkswagen Group of America, filed January 21, 2026), as of October 8, 2026. Last Updated: October 8, 2026.