Volkswagen To Recall 100,000 Hybrids Over Fire Risk

Volkswagen saw its profits surge higher despite selling fewer cars due to semiconductor shortages

A recall for more than 100,000 plug-in hybrid cars will soon be issued globally by Volkswagen over the potential for a fire to break out in the vehicles.

The recall is expected to affect about 42,300 Volkswagen Passat, Golf, Tiguan, and Arteon hybrid models worldwide and another 24,400 Audi hybrid vehicles, Reuters reported.

Seat and Skoda – also Volkswagen auto brands – are additionally affected by the recall – the news outlet said.

A spokesperson for Volkswagen told Reuters the fire risk stems from the insufficiently insulated high-voltage battery of the hybrid system. If the engine cover is not secured completely, heat from the battery can cause the engine cover to ignite and start a fire, reports indicated.

German KBA regulator told the region’s newspaper Bild that “inadequate fastening of the engine design cover can lead to contact with hot parts and subsequently to fire,” adding that 16 reports for fire cases have been reported in the country – all from insufficient insulation of the PHEV battery pack.

It was unclear at the time of writing when vehicle owners would be notified or what the remedy to repair the issue would be from Volkswagen.