One of the advantages of electric vehicles is there are fewer mechanical components and thus fewer potential problems that can arise. But that doesn’t mean they’re exempt from breakdowns and problems altogether. Today Audi issued a recall of its brand-new 2019 e-tron all-electric SUV.
The company’s recall covers 1,644 units of the model, which could have a defective battery seal. The seal could allow moisture inside the battery housing, leading to corrosion. According to Audi, this might cause short-circuiting and potentially a fir, or what the company calls a “thermal event”.
Fortunately, owners will be made aware immediately if the battery has been compromised through corrosion via a yellow warning light on the instrument panel. The company warns that this alert should be taken very seriously.
"Should a yellow battery warning light appear, appropriate actions should be taken to stop and park the vehicle in the open, do not charge and contact roadside assistance to make arrangements to have the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection/service without delay."
- Audi statement
At present, owners are invited to contact roadside assistance to have their vehicle towed to a dealership, which will carry out an inspection and make a repair if necessary.
The company also stated that owners who don’t see the warning light appear have nothing to worry about.
E-tron owners who need to have their vehicle towed will be lent an identical model by Audi, if one is available. If the loaner vehicle happens to be a combustion-engine model, the company will pay out financial compensation to cover the higher operating cost of their loaner.
The recall does not impact those e-tron models that have not yet been delivered to customers, and buyers can continue to place orders and deposits for the EV at their Audi dealership.