Which cars are affected?
According to electrive, the UK recall covers the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.7, ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo where the high-voltage battery uses cells from a specific supplier produced between 2022 and 2025. Not every car of these models is affected. A recall for several European markets, which may also include some Cupra Born models, was still being prepared in mid-October.
Volkswagen has not published how many vehicles are involved. For context, around 660,000 ID.3, ID.4, ID.7 and ID. Buzz cars were registered across Europe between 2023 and 2025, but the number affected is expected to be much smaller.
What is the fault?
A Volkswagen spokesperson said cells in certain ID. family vehicles fail to meet its quality standards because of manufacturing errors at a supplier. In rare cases the faulty cells could overheat, and in extreme cases there may be a risk of fire.
Why is charging limited to 80%?
As an immediate measure, Volkswagen is limiting the maximum state of charge to 80% using an over-the-air software update. This is separate from Battery Care Mode, the everyday setting some owners already use to protect their battery.
In practice, it means losing roughly the top fifth of the battery's usable capacity, so range on a full charge is lower until the fix is complete. Our EV charging cost calculator and charging time calculator both let you set the charge level, so you can plan around an 80% limit.
What owners should do
- Check your car. Use the official GOV.UK vehicle recall check with your registration number, or contact a Volkswagen retailer.
- Accept the update. Do not try to bypass the 80% limit. It is a safety measure.
- Book the repair when Volkswagen contacts you. Recall work is carried out free of charge.
Buying a used Volkswagen ID.?
Ask the seller whether recall work has been done, and check the car on the GOV.UK recall service before you buy. Our recall check page explains how recalls show up and what to ask, and the used car checklist covers the rest of the paperwork.
Questions drivers ask
Which Volkswagen models are in the battery recall?
In the UK, the ID.3, ID.4, ID.7, ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo with battery cells from one supplier produced between 2022 and 2025. Not every car of these models is affected.
Why has my VW ID stopped charging above 80%?
If your car is affected, Volkswagen has limited the maximum charge to 80% with an over-the-air update as a safety measure while faulty battery cells are dealt with.
How do I check if my car has a recall?
Enter your registration number on the GOV.UK vehicle recall check, or ask a franchised dealer for the brand.
Do I have to pay for recall repairs?
No. Safety recall work is carried out free of charge by the manufacturer's dealers.
Sources
- electrive: VW prepares battery recall for multiple ID. models in Europe (16 October 2026)
- GOV.UK: Check if a vehicle, part or accessory has been recalled
Facts checked against the sources above on 22 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
