Audi is recalling 4,616 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Q5 and A7 models in the US due to a potential issue with their high-voltage battery modules. The modules may experience thermal overload, which could trigger a fire. The issue is believed to have occurred during manufacturing at Samsung SDI’s plant in Hungary. Audi has not reported any injuries, crashes, or fires related to the issue in the US.
Affected owners are advised to stop charging their vehicles, either through a charger or the combustion engine, until the issue is resolved. Audi will replace any modules or high-voltage batteries that show a critical fault. The company will also introduce new onboard diagnostic software in the second quarter of 2025, which will detect potential issues with the battery modules and alert the driver.
The recall affects 2022-2023 Q5 models built from August 10, 2021, to December 10, 2022, and 2022 A7 models produced between July 2, 2021, and May 4, 2022. Owners of impacted vehicles with online services enabled will need to have their modules or high-voltage batteries replaced if online data indicates a critical fault. Those without online data should stop charging their batteries until the new diagnostic software is available.