Samsung SDI Recalls Over 100 Batteries in the US: "Welding Defect, Not Fire"

Company States "Unrelated to Safety Accident"

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] It has been confirmed that Samsung SDI voluntarily applied for a recall in the United States due to welding defects in electric vehicle battery modules.

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the 4th, Samsung SDI submitted a recall plan to NHTSA on the 28th of last month (local time) for high-voltage batteries installed in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) from U.S. automakers Ford and Stellantis. According to Samsung SDI, a total of 1,163 battery modules are scheduled for replacement, and it is estimated that about 100 Ford and Stellantis PHEV vehicles sold in the U.S. are affected. NHTSA pointed out, "If driving power is suddenly lost due to a high-voltage battery error, the risk of collision increases."

Samsung SDI explained that welding defects occurred in the busbar connecting the module and cell terminals during the battery modularization process. A Samsung SDI official said, "It is judged to be a welding defect issue," adding, "The cells and busbars are connected by welding, and for parts produced during a specific period, the welding was weak."

The company stated that although it is unrelated to safety accidents such as fire risk, the battery's output performance may be somewhat reduced. Samsung SDI told NHTSA, "Within 60 days after submitting the report, and no later than the 28th of next month, recall notices will be sent to owners."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.