Audi is in talks with German authorities about a recall of its e-tron EV in Europe after voluntarily recalling the SUV in the U.S. due to a potential risk of a battery fire.
Audi of America said on Monday that it is recalling the e-tron to replace a wiring grommet between the charging port and the battery that is part of the wiring assembly.
Talks with German authorities about a potential recall in Europe are ongoing, Audi spokesman Udo Ruegheimer said. Some 7,000 E-Tron cars might be affected worldwide, including 2,300 in Germany.
Under certain circumstances, Audi says, moisture could seep into the vehicle's electrical system, presenting a risk of an electrical short and potential fire. Only certain e-trons are equipped with the grommet in question, and Audi of America is contacting those consumers directly by phone and mail.
Mark Dahnke, an Audi of America spokesman, said a yellow warning light activates if sensors detect moisture in the e-tron's electrical system, and that if the light activates, the crossover should be parked immediately in an outdoor area and shut off. The vehicle should not be charged again, and consumers are advised to contact Audi roadside assistance to have the vehicle towed in.
Dahnke said no customers in the U.S. have reported the fault indicator light activating or any incident with the grommet failing, but that approximately five e-trons in Europe — where the vehicle has been on sale since December — have experienced activated indicator lights, though no resulting fires or injuries were reported.
