Volkswagen recalls ID. Buzz, ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7 and Cupra Born over battery fire risk
Fleets running affected cars built between 2022 and 2025 have had maximum charge temporarily limited to 80% by an over-the-air update until each car is inspected. Fleet News reports that around 5,000 UK cars are involved.
Volkswagen has announced a recall of certain ID. Buzz, ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.7 models built between 2022 and 2025, along with certain Cupra Born models, Fleet News reported. The issue relates to components within the high-voltage batteries, which may overheat and pose a fire risk.
According to Fleet News, the recall affects roughly 5,000 cars in the UK and 85,000 worldwide.
An over-the-air update has already been applied to the recalled cars. As a safety precaution it temporarily limits the maximum charge to 80%, and the report says the cars remain safe to drive. Volkswagen confirmed that the restriction will be lifted once a recalled car has been inspected. Fleet News also reports that a software-based solution will be applied to cars that do not meet the quality standards.
Volkswagen said it had contacted retail customers for whom it holds contact details and added information to the relevant brand websites. It said it is also working with fleet companies to notify them in advance of the recall and the temporary charging restrictions.
Fleet News says the mandatory over-the-air update has raised questions among fleet operators about its effect on operations, as part of a wider debate about updates that reduce a vehicle's capabilities.
On 20 October 2026, THRIVE reported that Volkswagen was preparing an ID. Buzz battery recall, 93MF, with charge capped at 80% over fire risk.
Sources
Fleet NewsHow THRIVE sources and checks its stories · Corrections, and how to report an error
Volkswagen Group nine-month operating result falls 98.7% to €71m after Porsche impairment
Government scraps planning permission for cross-pavement EV charging
Volkswagen ID. Cross 37kWh opens for pre-sale in Germany from €27,995
The Tuesday briefing
The week's fleet numbers and news, every Tuesday morning. Free.
One email a week. Unsubscribe in a click.
Named in this story? You have a right of reply: email hello@thrivefleet.co.uk and a challenged claim will be marked under review while we check it.
Got a story, or a question about this one? Contact the newsroom. We read everything that comes in. With the volume of fleet news, not everything can run, but a story with a number, a date or a decision in it stands a good chance.