This is an analysis compiled bij chat gpt using data from numerous websites and forums, both in Europe and the United States. In the U.S., a recall has been initiated for vehicles equipped with the exact same hardware as the latest series of the ID.7 with the MEB platform. I am not a technician and cannot say for certain whether it is true, but it sounds plausible, and official documents seem to support the theory.
AC Charging in the ID.7: Weak 12V Battery Due to Known OCDC Error?
What does the analysis show?
- The VW ID.7 uses the exact same on-board charger unit (11 kW OBC with integrated DC/DC converter – OCDC) as the ID.4 and Audi Q4 e-tron.
- For these models (ID.4 / Q4), an official recall campaign is currently ongoing: 25V125 (internal VW campaign code 93CJ), due to condensation forming on the OCDC board, leading to failure of the 12V charging system.
- No public recall exists yet for the ID.7, but there is an internal TPI (technical product information) 2072849, and dealers are already replacing the OCDC or 12V battery when issues are reported.
- Several drivers report receiving the warning “12V battery weak,” even though the vehicle is constantly connected to an 11 kW wallbox.
- Issues occur particularly when the charging cable remains plugged in after charging ends or when scheduled charging (timer) is used.
What happens technically during AC charging at home (11 kW)?
Phase 1: Charging active
- During active AC charging, the OCDC converts high voltage (400 V) from the battery into 12 V and powers all control units.
Phase 2: Charging completed – Plug remains inserted
- Many wallboxes keep the car “awake” via PLC communication, especially when departure times are set.
- → The HV (high-voltage) relays open, DC/DC converter function stops.
- → Control units, gateway, and comfort systems continue drawing power from the 12V battery.
Phase 3: So-called “parasitic discharge”
- Within 24–48 hours, voltage drops below ~11.8 V:
- • App warning: “12V battery too weak, no online connection.”
- • Keyless entry / door handles become unresponsive.
- • Start attempt triggers: “Error: 12V battery discharged – Visit workshop.”
Why some vehicles are affected overnight
- Hardware defect: Moisture or electromigration damages the OCDC (same issue as in Recall 25V125).
- Software bug: ID.7 with software version 4.x disables the DC/DC converter too early or fails to enter deep sleep mode reliably.
- High standby power consumption: e.g., due to OTA download, heat pump, or aftermarket dongles.
What can you do?
- Have TPI checked and test the OCDC:
- Ask your dealer whether your vehicle is affected by TPI 2072849 and request a live OCDC test:
→ This checks whether 13.5–14.8 V is present on the 12 V system during active AC charging.
- If the test is negative: Request a replacement (in writing!)
- Demand a goodwill replacement of the OCDC even without an active recall, since the same part is being preemptively replaced in the ID.4.
- Until replacement: Adjust your charging behavior
- • Unplug the cable after charging ends or use a wallbox with auto-disconnect.
- • Charge only up to 80% to avoid top-off cycles.
- • Deactivate timer & pre-conditioning.
- • After each charging session, drive briefly or switch on the ignition → actively recharges the 12V battery.
- Wait for software update
- According to dealer bulletins, VW plans a fix (SW 4.2 or a hotfix in summer 2025) to correct the wallbox wake behavior.
Critical Note
- The absence of an official recall for the ID.7 is likely due to a lack of reported cases – not due to the absence of the fault. The risk (no keyless function, no emergency call function) is the same as in the ID.4.
- Replacing the 12V battery only treats the symptoms, not the cause – without a new OCDC, the problem will return shortly.
- Please report issues officially to KBA, RDW, or NHTSA to help expedite a formal recall campaign.
Summary
Even though there is no official recall yet for the ID.7, internal documents (TPI 2072849) and many user reports suggest that the OCDC unit is just as susceptible as in the ID.4/Q4. The issue arises mainly during AC charging (11 kW) when the DC/DC converter shuts down too early due to software bugs. Have your OCDC checked or replaced specifically – and adjust your charging habits to avoid discharging the 12V battery.
