Samsung announced a recall affecting 180,196 vehicles across multiple automakers due to a high-voltage battery defect that could lead to thermal runaway and fires. The recall, which spans Stellantis, Ford and Audi, involves plug-in hybrid and electric models with battery packs that may have separator damage, increasing the risk of overheating.
Stellantis has the largest share of affected vehicles, with 155,096 units included in the recall. The models impacted are the 2020-2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and the 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, both of which feature Samsung-supplied battery packs. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these batteries could suffer separator damage, which -- when combined with internal interactions within the cells -- may result in fires.
Ford is also recalling select models for a similar issue. The affected vehicles include the 2020-2024 Ford Escape and the 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair. Ford’s investigation revealed "the high voltage cell’s separator layer between its cathode and anode may be susceptible to damage as a result of the cell manufacturing process." This damage increases the likelihood of overheating and potential fire hazards.
Audi’s recall is smaller but still concerning, covering the 2022 A7 and the 2022-2023 Q5 models. While Volkswagen and Samsung have not provided specifics on the root cause of the defect in these vehicles, they have acknowledged that thermal overload could lead to smoke or fire.
Samsung has not yet developed a complete fix for the issue. For now, Ford vehicles will display a "Stop Safely Now" dashboard message if the battery detects a malfunction. However, Audi and Stellantis owners do not currently have an in-vehicle warning system, making it crucial for them to complete the recall as soon as possible.
The interim solution for all affected brands is a software update that will notify owners of battery irregularities. Until a permanent fix is available, vehicle owners are advised to park outside and away from structures to mitigate potential fire risks.
