Sister companies Porsche and Audi have each issued an independent recall affecting approximately 6,700 units of their 2023 electric vehicle (EV) models, specifically the Taycan and E-Tron GT. The reason behind this recall is a concerning battery fire risk attributed to a potential issue with the battery pack’s sealing.
Assigned recall numbers 23V-615 and 23V-613 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these campaigns encompass 4,777 units of the Porsche Taycan and 1,899 examples of the Audi E-Tron GT. Notably, the manufacturers estimate that around 3% of the vehicles subject to the recall may exhibit this problem. This issue affects several trim levels, with the build dates varying across the models.
2023 Porsche Taycan models:
2023 Audi E-Tron GT models:
Both Porsche and Audi have provided the NHTSA with a similar explanation for the issue. They state that, under specific circumstances, there is a risk that liquid could infiltrate the high voltage battery. This problem, they clarify, heightens the potential for a battery fire and stems from an issue related to the sealant used. In terms of warning signs, affected vehicles may initially display a yellow warning icon in the instrument cluster, which can escalate to a red warning icon if the problem persists.
To address this issue, beginning on October 31, 2023, owners will be requested to bring their vehicles to an authorized dealer. There, a technician will conduct a leak test, and if the results indicate a leak, the battery pack will be replaced with one sealed using a material from a brand named Teroson.
This recall is somewhat similar to the issue that led to the recall of more than 700 units of the GMC Hummer EV in October 2022. Fundamentally, it underscores the ongoing challenges and safety concerns surrounding high-voltage battery technology in electric vehicles and the industry’s commitment to addressing such issues promptly to ensure the safety of consumers and their vehicles.
