Volkswagen ID.4 Complaints

991 consumer complaints on file.

#11735528May 4, 2026
AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am filing this claim because a mandatory remote software update pushed by Volkswagen, combined with recent invasive repairs to the interconnected safety restraint network (PODS), caused a critical emergency safety feature (SOS) to fail, and the manufacturer is refusing to restore the vehicle to compliance. 04-01-2026: Received mandatory manufacturer software update v3.8.1. Updated failed and had to be reset. 04-16-2026: Vehicle was brought to the dealer to repair the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS). The technician unplugged electrical harnesses and recalibrated the safety network to install the new sensor mats. 04-29-2026: Received mandatory manufacturer software update v3.8.1. 04-30-2026: Immediately following these two events, the emergency SOS system threw a critical hard failure light and became non-functional. 05-01-2026: The dealership and VW Corporate both denied Goodwill coverage, claiming it is an out-of-warranty hardware failure, despite it being a globally documented software side-effect. The v3.8.11 update is known to overwrite the measured state of health of the emergency backup battery, artificially timing it out after 5 years regardless of its actual physical health. The PODS system that the dealer just serviced actively talks to the vehicle's Supplemental Restraint System. I am requesting that Volkswagen covers 100% of the cost to restore the vehicle's emergency SOS system to working order—whether that requires a physical replacement of the telematics module/battery or a manual software reset of the battery history timer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735491May 4, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
We bought our car in April, 2024 from Wellesley Volkswagen, [XXX] . The car has a problem with the windshield wiper Control (safety standard 101?). The car’s windshield wiper stalk is on the right side of the steering wheel. Moving the stalk up or down activates the front wipers. Pulling the stalk will activate the front wiper washer. Pushing the stalk away will activate the rear wiper and washer. Moving the stalk up from the off position will provide 1 wipe. Moving the stalk down from the neutral position will first activate rain sensing/interval wiping then slow continuous wiping and finally fast continuous wiping. There is also slider button on the stalk to vary the sensitivity of the rain sensing/ interval wiping mode. The first wiping position can be configured to operate at either interval wiping or rain sensing through the car’s customization setting (screen interface). We have the wipers set for rain sensing. The rain sensing is triggered by the stalk being in the first position and rain being “seen” by the sensor (camera) at the top center of the windshield. The slider adjusts the sensitivity so that it activates occasionally or aggressively depending on the rain level and the driver’s preference. From the time we bought the car to present day, we find the rain sensing will not work about 25% of the time: the wipers will not turn on when in the sensing position and it is raining. On one recent occasion during a light rain, the wipers went on full speed in the sensing position, and I had to move the stalk to the 2nd position (continuous slow wiping). There was nothing blocking the sensor which would cause this behavior. After a couple minutes I move it back to the sensing position and the sensing performed normally. I brought it to the dealer’s attention a few times over the past 2 years, but made them officially write it up and check on how to fix this at the April 13, 2026, 2nd year service with no resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734957April 30, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hello, My name is [XXX] , and I have been experiencing loss of battery driving range and performance since I purchased my preowned VW ID.4 Pro in February 2025. When I charge the battery to 80% at home and then drive(normal) to a location 20 miles away, I observe losing approximately 40-60 miles, regularly. I use the regenerative braking as much as possible to help restore some of that mileage loss. But this should not be happening. I cannot rely on my vehicle for long trips without charging too many times before reaching my destination. And now we are being advised to not use level 3 public fast charging for concerns of potential fire. And to NOT park in our home garages after charging our vehicles. This recall seems pretty serious. On my first service in December 2025 with Coachella Valley Volkswagon, I explained the issues I described to the service department and was told that it might be a software issue, which was updated. This was before I was unaware of an active Recall from Volkswagon. The very same problems and my concerns still exist currently. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734381April 28, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
UNKNOWN -- I was turning 90 deg from the street into my 30' driveway, going very slow as usual with foot on brake pedal to slow further before entering the garage (the door had just finished lifting). But as I was straightening the steering coming out of turn, the car suddenly accelerated, brakes and steering both were unresponsive and the car smashed into the garage. Slowed further by the impact, the car caromed into the garage stairs smashing them to pieces before coming to rest against the rear garage wall after I hit the OFF button (it's an EV). There was no alert from the onboard systems of a pending crash and the air bags did NOT deploy. I was uninjured. Posting my accident on a social media owners group, other owners have had similar experience of the electronics going out while driving. The car remains at a 45 deg angle inside the garage now 6 days later awaiting the insurance company to come and extricate it for their assessment of the damage to the car.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734178April 27, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am filing a complaint regarding a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 involving loss of propulsion and unresolved defects following manufacturer-directed repairs. On February 19, 2026, the vehicle lost propulsion twice, including in an intersection. The vehicle powered on and shifted into gear but would not move, requiring it to be pushed out of traffic. This is a serious safety hazard. The vehicle was repaired at a Volkswagen dealer under corporate technical direction, including replacement of the rear drive motor, replacement of control modules (gateway), and multiple programming attempts, including non-standard programming. After repair, new faults appeared. The vehicle now shows inconsistent odometer behavior, including “-- mi” and conflicting mileage values. The system continues to calculate range but does not reliably display total mileage. The dealer confirmed in writing that this issue is related to the prior repair, meaning the vehicle was returned defective. Despite prior loss-of-propulsion events and current system faults, both the dealer and Volkswagen corporate representative have advised me to continue driving the vehicle and have refused to arrange transport, even though the defect resulted from their repair. I have serious concerns the vehicle may again lose propulsion and that control systems and mileage recording are unreliable. The vehicle has been out of service over 60 days with no confirmed resolution. I request NHTSA investigate these failures and Volkswagen’s handling of this safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734050April 27, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
My 2021 ID.4 has experienced two separate incidents of sudden, unintended forward acceleration while parking. In both cases, I was maneuvering at very low speeds (less than 5 mph) and transitioning from a stopped position, or from reverse into drive, with the intention to move forward only a few inches. But instead of creeping forward as normal, the vehicle suddenly jerked forward approximately one foot. In the first of two incidents (approx. October 2025), it crashed into the car in front of me. In a second incident (3/14/2026), it crashed into an EV charging station. This is a safety concern and may be related to steering wheel capacitive touch controls, possible unintended activation of adaptive cruise control (ACC) or “resume” function, or erroneous or overly sensitive input from the steering wheel control module. No warning signs or messages appeared prior to the failure. Luckily, no one, including my young children, stood directly in front of the vehicle during either of the incidents; otherwise, they may have incurred serious bodily injury or worse. I was also luckily unharmed in both incidents. I am immediately taking the car to the dealership for a full inspection.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734015April 27, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V030000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that while charging the vehicle at a charging station, there was an abnormal, exploding sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while in a drive-thru. The vehicle was safely driven to the residence. The dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment and informed the contact that there was no part available for the repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted and advised to reach out to another dealer for the recall repair. Tracy Volkswagen (2605 Auto Plaza Way, Tracy, CA 95304) was contacted and the contact was informed that there was no part available to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 19,200.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732843April 21, 2026
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the doors opened unexpectedly. An unknown warning light was illuminated, indicating that the door was open. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V312000 (Structure). The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732232April 19, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
We took this vehicle in for a previous recall for defective exterior door handle. The previous one worked fine, but was replaced do the the recall. The new handle broke within days of being installed. We have requested to have it replaced numerous times by the dealer who says that parts aren't available. It has been more than six months. We are worried about it failing and being unable to enter or exit the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731993April 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER
On April 1st I had my windshield replaced due to a crack in the upper central portion of the windshield. When the glass place took the windshield off my car they found a burnt section in the headliner. The glass place reported it immediately to the Volkswagon dealership and asked the device person at the dealership to come look at the burnt headliner before they placed the glass back. The service person at the dealer did go and look at the car so the glass people finished installing the windshield but took pictures prior to installing the new glass. The dealership then reach out to me and asked to bring the car in ASAP. The car was dropped off a few days later for the service department at the dealership to look into the burnt headliner. After the dealer has had the car for 10 days VW Corp is refusing to conduct a full investigation to determine the issue of this burnt area. Concerned this car is a fire risk and unsafe due to wire issues or overheating elements around the windshield. The risk and issue is completely hidden in the car and not easily known about or identified during an event. Could put my house in jeopardy if fire starts while in my garage. Manufacture/dealership has inspected the car. Insurance is determining if they will inspect the vehicle or not. No warning lights or any indication this area was hot or hot even to burn the headliner.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731782April 17, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION, EQUIPMENT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V344000 (Back Prevention, Equipment, Electrical System); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall repair was performed; however, the vehicle failed to start and became inoperable after the repair. The dealer determined that the emergency call module needed to be replaced but at the vehicle owner’s expense. The contact declined to pay for the repair and contacted the manufacturer, who referred the contact to another dealer for a second opinion. The vehicle remained with the first dealer because the vehicle was undrivable, and because the second dealer was 2 hours away. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer offered no help in covering the cost of the repair. The contact stated that the recall repair had failed to prevent the failure and caused the vehicle to become inoperable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731687April 16, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicle charge door power locking mechanism failed in the locking position. Vehicle could not be charged and driver was stranded and forced to destroy the outer panel in a failed attempt yo open the door. Sufficient charge remained yo reach dealer. $900 repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731686April 16, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Driver’s door electronic door handle failed and the door could not be opened. Interior handle should have a physical release but it took 6-8 attempts to open the door. These handles had already been replaced under a recall, and yet I was charged nearly $900 for replacing the door handle because the car was then out of warranty. This is shameful.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731530April 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car has been in and out of various VW dealers since purchase at the end of August 2023. Car was purchased new. Immediately began receiving emergency “stop driving vehicle” messages on driver display. VW on call service advised if the car drives, I can operate it and no further action is necessary. Various Electical errors including charge 12V battery, infotainment screen going black or resetting while driving, no display while in reverse, car losing power on highway, car alarm going off while driving, if hazard lights are used, they do not shut off unless the car is off and driver is out of the car for at least ten minutes, interior lights flash on and off (this is a safety issue as is if incredibly difficult to see while driving at night, car has been in shop three times for this, no repairs, the car battery drains incredibly quickly; usually get about 2kWh in town driving, charging errors; charger not recognized, or car displays it is charging, but when complete, it didn’t charge, windows don’t respond to the controls, door handles don’t always work to open the doors; often have to access the car from passenger side (these have been replaced and still don’t work), emergency braking system doesn’t function, car ghost breaks (no objects ahead, clean sensors, driving and brakes slam on), multiple leaks in vehicle including headlights, rear driver tail light, and the light on top of the back hatch, car loses connection to emergency system, infotainment screen doesn’t respond to finger touches and must be reset, to initiate OTA updates, fuse needs to be pulled. I barely drive the car, and it’s my only vehicle. It’s not safe (lighting issues ongoing, alarms, safety features don’t work, can’t get into the car) and not reliable for travel as charging is hit or miss (at commercial charging stations and home charging station), and the battery life is extremely short, even in perfect conditions using cruise control in eco mode, the car only travels about 130 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731353April 15, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I brought my car to the Volkswagen garage because there was a problem with the software, mainly the GPS was off. The location shown was 1 mile away. After 10 days in the garage, I asked if I could take it back and the case remained open because the problem was not resolved. I was pulling back my car in front of the house to unload groceries and it did not stop, damaged the garage door. Several people complained about this problem on the web, when the car is in reverse, and it seems that a software update can fix it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730929April 13, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Infotainment freezes and backup camera not working. This immediately started to happen after recent ota update. I never had these issues before this software update. Uploading pictures which shows gear selector is being put in reverse multiple times but camera not displayed. Even infotainment doesn’t respond to any touch.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730514April 11, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is a supplemental report to my previous filing regarding a 2023 VW ID.4 battery fire. On May 28, 2025, while being operated, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic thermal event. White smoke emanated from the front compartment followed by active flames. The vehicle was a total loss. Critical Safety Finding: A subsequent forensic examination conducted on October 29, 2025 (File 27739-01) by a certified fire investigator confirmed that after the initial fire was suppressed, the vehicle reportedly caught fire an additional time while being held at a tow/storage facility. Component Failure: The fire originated in the front compartment area. The failure is consistent with the "thermal runaway" risks identified in Recall 26V030, involving defective battery cell electrodes. Safety Risk: The multiple ignition nature of this failure poses a lethal risk to occupants, emergency responders, and tow/salvage facility operators. The fact that the vehicle reignited twice in storage, long after the initial suppression, suggests that current safety protocols or the scope of the existing recall may not fully address the volatility of this specific battery defect. Inspection Status: The vehicle was inspected by the manufacturer’s engineers and an independent forensic investigator. However, the manufacturer and the insurer are currently withholding the Photographic Report and Technical Field Report from the consumer. These records are vital to understanding the severity of the "multiple -ignition" event and should be subpoenaed or requested by NHTSA investigators to ensure the recall remedy is sufficient to prevent secondary fires in storage environments.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730396April 10, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Car is developing a paint chip even on the top of the hood since the car was purchased. According to google search, some of white and gray colored made in the USA Id4 card have the paint issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730304April 10, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was charging at Electrify America charging station for approximately 20 minutes when suddenly I felt the ID.4 shaking and then seconds later I was surrounded by smoke coming from outside and beneath the ID.4. The ID.4 was not turned on and was completely stationary. I unplugged the vehicle. During this time I made a best effort to not inhale but it happened so quickly that it was unavoidable. The smoke smelled really toxic and tasted like chemicals. I felt nauseous and woozy afterwards. I called 911 to report the smoke coming out of my ID.4. Call was made at 6pm, seconds after the smoke started pouring out. The vehicle was releasing extreme amounts of cloudy thick white smoke and it completely engulfed the ID.4 itself. There was also an orange/pink-like liquid pouring out of the left side of the vehicle from the bottom. The fire department came and from what they told me, they cut a "cut loop" to prevent the battery from continuing to get more power. They told me the cells in the battery were continuing to release energy and heat to the point that it was melting the carpets in the ID.4's floor. They hosed it down for over 2 hours until the battery was cooled off enough and safe to be towed to a safe area. There had been no warning leading to this. The car did not alarm of any issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730086April 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle has performed an OTA update to version 3.8.11 on Saturday April 4, 2026. Prior to that there were no failures or warnings reported. After the update has completed there is a warning “Emergency call function is limited. Please service vehicle”. The SOS button in the cabin is Red instead of Green. Other users in the N.A. as well users in Europe are reporting the exact issue in the forums: [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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