Volkswagen Touareg recalled for fire risk

The Volkswagen Touareg R plug-in hybrid (PHEV) performance SUV is being recalled as a battery defect poses the risk of a fire.

“Due to a manufacturing issue, the cell modules installed in the high voltage battery may be defective and overheat during charging. If this occurs, it could lead to a vehicle fire,” the company says in its recall notice.

“Until the software is installed, we ask that you request can consumers refrain from charging the high-voltage battery using an external charging source and refrain from driving in electric-only mode.

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“We further request ask that the setting ‘battery hold’ in hybrid mode be selected at a charge level of a maximum of 50 per cent. These measures are required for the safety of your vehicle.

“You can of course continue to safely drive your vehicle in petrol mode.

“A vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders, and/or damage to property.”

• A total of 214 vehicles are affected, produced between 2020 and 2024
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here
• The original recall notice is attached here

If you own an affected vehicle, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with an authorised Volkswagen dealership to have a free software update carried out.

If you have any further questions, you can contact the Volkswagen Recall Campaign Hotline on 1800 504 076.

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