Skip to main content

‘Unexpected shutdowns’ prompt Volkswagen to recall 5,561 e-Golfs

Volkswagen is still embroiled in its devastating Dieselgate scandal, but the brand’s latest issue has nothing to do with emissions testing. The automaker has announced the recall of all 2015-2016 model year e-Golfs due to an electrical defect that can result in unexpected shutdowns and crashes. In total, 5,561 vehicles are affected.

Specifically, the fault lies in the battery management system software, which, under certain conditions, can classify electrical current surges as critical threats to battery health. The system can initiate an emergency shutdown in response, which deactivates the drive motor and effectively stalls the vehicle. While this can undoubtedly result in a crash, it is important to note that the power steering, brakes, lights, and airbags are powered by a separate 12V system and are unaffected.

Recommended Videos

According to the Safety Recall Report filed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the chronology of the issue dates back to 2015. Volkswagen was initially notified of isolated shutdown incidents early in the year, but failures could not be reproduced on internal test vehicles until June. Additional complaints started to pour in toward the end 2015, and in February 2016, the issue was brought to Volkswagen’s product safety committee, who determined there was a sensitivity defect in the system. The Safety Recall Report was filed to NHTSA on March 4.

Volkswagen has notified e-Golf owners of the issue and will upgrade the battery management software free of charge.

To make matters worse, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has has filed a lawsuit against Volkswagen Group of America for deceiving its customers with its “Clean Diesel” advertising campaign. The FTC is seeking a court order that would require the company to compensate those who bought or leased a diesel vehicle from 2008 to late 2015. You can read the official release here.

Andrew Hard
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
8 key things you need to know from Apple’s WWDC 2025 event
From a fresh look and updated names, to new features, more intelligence and live translation
iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 shown on devices.

The WWDC 2025 keynote ran for just over an hour and a half. For those of you who don't fancy sitting through the whole presentation, we've pulled out the key things you need to know from the latest Apple event.

1. Welcome to the 26 club

Read more
Tesla’s robotaxi service is almost here, but it’s not the car you want to see
Silver Tesla Model Y Juniper side

Tesla chief Elon Musk has said that the automaker is aiming to launch its robotaxi service on June 22, in Austin, Texas.

“Tentatively, June 22,” Musk said in a post on X on Tuesday, adding: “We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift.”

Read more
I tried an e-bike for the first time and now I’m hooked
It’s not about being a 'bike person', it’s about finding small upgrades to everyday life
A woman sitting on the Aventon Pace 4

Before this year, I’d never even touched an e-bike before, and the thought of riding one was never on my radar. With life already in constant motion thanks to two toddlers, biking wasn’t something I ever considered adding to the mix.

I’d always assumed e-bikes were for hardcore commuters or serious cyclists, not someone like me. I wasn’t looking for a big lifestyle change. I just wanted a quicker way to get to the park so we’d have more time to play before dinner.

Read more