Volkswagen ID.4 user complaints and problems
The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 has an untainted record of complaints whereas the 2021 model faced several complaints. The primary issues with the electric SUV were with its powertrain, electronics, and safety systems. However, Volkswagen seems to have addressed them on the latest iteration of the ID.4 as zero complaints against it suggest.
Electrical problems
- Complete vehicle shutdown: Several owners of the 2021 ID.4 complained about this issue. The reports stated that during driving or parking, the vehicle would shut down completely. The shutdown would lead to the vehicle being completely immovable.
- Multiple electrical failures: The 2021 ID.4 also faced several complaints regarding multiple electrical system failures of the vehicle. Some reports mentioned that the multi-instrument display would show “Electrical systems not working” while the vehicle would come to a sudden stop right in the middle of the road while driving. After the display of the message, even if the vehicle is restarted, it would refuse to go to drive mode, making it not possible to park at a safe location.
- Vehicle failing to start: A single owner complained about this issue. In the report, it was mentioned that the vehicle refused to start and after several restart attempts, the owner was unable to start the car. Upon further diagnostics, air pockets on the cooling system were detected which initiated the problem. After carrying out the necessary fixes, the issue recurred.
Safety problems
- Brake fail: There were several complaints about the brake failure of the ID.4. The owners complained that while driving, the brakes would fail suddenly which also caused a crash in multiple instances. A few reports also stated that while leaving a parking spot, the brake pedal would become stiff and the brakes would fail to work as well.
- Forward collision avoidance system malfunction: A few models from the 2021 model year of the ID.4 faced issues with their driving assist system. The affected owners complained that the forward collision avoidance system would continue turning off while driving. Whereas, in some cases, the system would give off false alarms and slow down the vehicle despite the absence of any obstruction on the path.
- Faulty lane-keeping assist system: A few complaints were registered against the lane-keeping assist system of the ID.4. The reports state that while driving, the system cannot be turned off. Furthermore, the system would misread the lane markings on the road, making the driver unable to steer into the right lane.
- Unnecessary activation of ESC: A single complaint was registered about this problem. In the report, the owner mentioned that while driving the electronic stability control system of the vehicle would activate intermittently for brief moments with a flashing sign on the instrument cluster. The owner also mentioned that the malfunction would occur in ordinary road conditions with favorable weather conditions. As per the owner, there are several complaints regarding this issue on some unofficial forums too, making it not limited to a single model.
2022 Volkswagen ID.4 recalls
The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 has a clean card in terms of recalls while the 2021 model faced a total of five recalls to date. The recalls include a majority of probable issues that might occur with the vehicle while a single recall was issued pertaining to the vehicle stalling problem. Volkswagen is yet to address the rest of the affected vehicles with problems such as the faulty driver assist systems and the brake fail issue. The table below lists all the recalls along with a brief description.
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Recall Date
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NHTSA Campaign ID
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Component Affected
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Recall Issue
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Explanation
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June 2, 2021
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21V413000
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EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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Headlights Can Be Misadjusted/FMVSS 108
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Adjusting the horizontal headlight beam can increase glare, reducing visibility for the driver and increasing the risk of a crash.
|
|
August 4, 2021
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21V607000
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SEAT BELTS
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Incorrect Seat Belt Assemblies Installed/FMVSS 208
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An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
|
|
August 5, 2021
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21V606000
|
SEAT BELTS
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Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208
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An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
|
|
November 3, 2021
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21V852000
|
STEERING
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Missing Drive Bushing May Cause Steering Loss
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An incorrectly assembled or missing drive bushing may cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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|
March 16, 2022
|
22V162000
|
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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Unreliable HV Battery Connection May Cause Stall
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An unreliable battery connection may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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What model year of the Volkswagen ID.4 to avoid?
The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is a solid product in its segment with the significant improvements it received over the last model year. The 2021 ID.4 did face several complaints regarding multiple issues yet the numbers are on the lower side. To be on the safer side, avoiding a used 2021 model would be a good idea.
Should you buy a used Volkswagen ID.4?
Electric vehicles are here to stay and the Volkswagen ID.4 is a highly practical and economical family vehicle as well. A used example would mean more accessibility to the safe family vehicle with a reduced price tag however, practicing caution while picking up one is advised.
