VW Group recalls electric vehicles produced between 2022 and 2024 from the ID. and Cupra Born series

Alert in Electric Garages: Volkswagen and Cupra Recall 100,000 Units. How Many Romanians Are "Under Voltage"?

Bucharest, March 24, 2026 – The era of electric cars comes with its own challenges, and the Volkswagen Group is at the center of a new technical storm. Recently, the German giant announced the recall of approximately 100,000 electric vehicles from the ID. family. and the Cupra Born sports model. The reason? A critical problem with the high-voltage battery modules that, in extreme cases, can turn an environmentally friendly trip into a dangerous incident.

The Fault: Between Low Battery Life and Fire Risk

According to the German vehicle authority (KBA), the problem is not one to ignore. Battery modules produced between February 2022 and August 2024 may have manufacturing defects that do not meet strict technical specifications.

The consequences are twofold:

• Performance: Premature cell degradation leading to a noticeable decrease in autonomy.
• Safety: There is a real risk of overheating, which can, in isolated cases, trigger a fire in the battery pack.

Of the global total, approximately 28,000 vehicles are only on the roads of Germany, with the rest dispersed throughout Europe, including Romania.

Impact in Romania: How Many Cars Are Targeted?

Although Porsche Romania (the official importer) has not yet published an exact figure for the local market, the registration data provided by APIA and sales statistics from recent years allow us to draw a fairly clear picture.

Volkswagen dominated the electric segment in Romania with the ID.3 and ID.4 models, which are constantly in the top 3 best-selling electric cars (along with Dacia Spring and Tesla).

• During the targeted period (2022-2024), approximately 3,500 - 4,500 units of the ID. and Cupra Born range were delivered in Romania.
• Given the overall recall rate, it is estimated that between 800 and 1,200 Romanian drivers will receive, or have already received, official notifications to report to the service.

The Cupra Born, although a niche model compared to the ID.3, has gained ground among young enthusiasts in Romania, with approximately 200-300 units potentially affected locally.

What Does This Mean for the Romanian Driver?

If you own an ID.3, ID.4 or Cupra Born manufactured within the mentioned range, here's what you should expect:

1. The Service Visit is Mandatory and Free

The recall involves, in the first phase, a software update that allows the battery management system (BMS) to more closely monitor the health of the cells. If the software detects abnormalities, the dealer will physically inspect the battery and replace the defective modules at no cost to the owner.

2. Waiting Time

Unlike a simple oil change, servicing a high-voltage battery is complex. Romanian drivers could face waiting times of several days, given that authorized service units for high-voltage interventions are limited in number and can become crowded.

3. Resale Value

In the short term, such news may scare used car buyers. However, the fact that the manufacturer is taking on the responsibility of replacing the modules means that affected cars will essentially get a battery “rejuvenation,” which is a plus for long-term reliability.

Conclusions: "Batterygate" or Responsibility?

Although the term "Batterygate" has begun to circulate on automotive forums, Volkswagen's action is preventive. In an increasingly digitalized automotive market, the ability to correct defects through organized recalls is vital for consumer confidence.

Tip for owners: Don't wait for the letter in the mail. You can check if your car is affected by entering the chassis number (VIN) on the official Volkswagen Romania or Cupra recall portal.