Samsung Informs Bentley of a Major Issue | Carscoops

      Models affected were produced between September 13, 2023, and September 28, 2023.

      8 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      Samsung SDI informed Bentley about a possible issue with the battery pack.

      Bentley plans to implement software that will identify batteries in need of replacement.

      The company anticipates that less than one percent of the batteries will require replacement.

      The Bentley Bentayga Hybrid is priced at well over $200,000 in the U.S., so it is reasonable to expect a finely engineered luxury SUV devoid of significant hidden flaws.

      However, a recent recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that some units may be equipped with high-voltage battery packs that could overheat and, in some cases, potentially catch fire.

      Samsung SDI, which supplies the 18 kWh battery cells for the Bentayga Hybrid, has detected a fault that may result in overheating during charging. Bentley reports that no fires or injuries have occurred thus far, yet acknowledges the defect poses a real fire hazard and is taking appropriate measures.

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      The recall documentation states that the overheating may be due to two possible manufacturing defects: contamination by particles and damage to the separator within the battery cells. Either issue could lead to a short circuit, increasing the risk of thermal runaway.

      A total of 130 Bentayga Hybrid units are included in the recall. These vehicles were produced between September 13, 2023, and September 28, 2023. Fortunately for the owners, Bentley believes that not many of these batteries will need to be replaced.

      To identify packs at risk of overheating, Bentley will install new software in the Battery Management Controller. This software will detect self-discharge conditions in the high-voltage battery and identify batteries or modules that require replacement.

      The company estimates that fewer than 1 percent of the SUVs being recalled will actually need a new battery, as most are expected to pass through the software evaluation process without issue.

      Bentley learned of a similar high-voltage battery problem with another VW Group brand in October 2023, but no field reports of issues with the Bentayga Hybrid led to a recall being initiated at that time.

      However, in the meantime, other VW Group models have reported battery-related problems, prompting Bentley’s Product Safety Committee to reassess its previous stance. Consequently, the recall was issued as a precautionary measure to prevent potential safety incidents from occurring.