The NHTSA announced Tuesday that they had opened an investigation into LG Energy Solution (KS:373220) after electric vehicles using the company's batteries showed internal failures.
The batteries have been involved in several fires, resulting in at least five automakers issuing costly recalls. Those automakers include General Motors (NYSE:GM), Mercedes-Benz (OTC:DDAIF)), Hyundai (OTC:HYMLY), Stellantis NV (NYSE:STLA), and Volkswagen (OTC:VWAGY)).
According to NHTSA documents, 138,324 vehicles are listed in the investigation population.
The purpose of this Equipment Query is to write to LG, and other companies that might have purchased the same or similar equipment from LG, notify them of this defect in any vehicles they manufactured, and to ensure thorough safety. Recalls are conducted where appropriate, the NHTSA wrote in its documents related to the investigation.
We understand NHTSA's latest request is a follow-up procedure to determine if the same or similar batteries involved in the recalls were supplied to other OEMs, LGES said in a statement to Detroit News. LG Energy Solution will fully cooperate with the inquiry.
By Michael Elkins