AUTO

Your VW ID.4 Recall Could Be Hiding a Serious Safety Risk

September 10, 2024

Volkswagen recalls 99,064 U.S. VW ID.4 vehicles (2021-2024 models) due to a defect causing doors to open unexpectedly.
Water entering the door handle circuit board can trigger unintended “open commands,” posing safety risks.
Dealers will inspect and replace door handles and update software for free, with owner notifications by November 1, 2024.

Volkswagen has issued a safety recall impacting 2021-2024 VW ID.4 vehicles due to a defect in door handle assemblies. This issue, which affects nearly 99,000 units in the U.S., could cause doors to open unexpectedly while driving, which is a serious safety risk.

The defect stems from water entering the circuit board assembly of the door handles, potentially triggering an unintended “open command” to the door lock.

The recall covers VW ID.4 vehicles built between December 15, 2020, and August 30, 2024, at Volkswagen’s plants in Zwickau, Germany, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S. While less than 1% of these vehicles are expected to have the defect, Volkswagen is recalling all affected models to ensure safety.

The Problem in Detail

Volkswagen explains the issue as follows:

Defect Description: Door handles on certain VW ID.4 vehicles do not meet factory specifications for water protection. Water ingress into the circuit board assembly can cause communication issues between the door handle and the control unit.
Safety Risk: If the defect occurs, doors may open unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion, putting occupants at risk of injury and posing a hazard to people or objects outside the vehicle.
Warning Signs: Occupants may hear an audible clicking noise, similar to the sound of the door locking or unlocking, as a potential indication of the defect.

_{VW ID.4 electric SUV on display at Electrify Expo with attendees nearby.}

Chronology of the Recall

Volkswagen has been addressing this issue for several months, with investigations and supplier analyses starting earlier this year:

February 2024: Volkswagen received complaints regarding door handle parts produced after countermeasures were implemented.
March – June 2024: Investigations confirmed water ingress and corrosion in the door handle electronics.
April 2024: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requested additional data related to prior recalls (23V312 and 23V213).
June – August 2024: Further tests revealed membrane issues under extreme conditions.
August 28, 2024: Volkswagen’s Product Safety Committee decided to recall the entire ID.4 population to ensure safety.

Volkswagen has reported no crashes or injuries related to the defect, although there have been 135 warranty claims between June 2023 and May 2024.

How Volkswagen Is Addressing the Problem

Volkswagen is taking a proactive approach to resolve the issue:

Dealer Inspections: Authorized dealers will inspect each vehicle’s door handles and replace them with improved parts if necessary.
Software Updates: A software update will be performed to adjust the door handle parameters.
Reimbursement Plan: Volkswagen will reimburse any repair costs already incurred by customers under this recall.

While the final remedy is still under development, Volkswagen is committed to resolving the issue at no cost to vehicle owners.

Key Dates to Remember

Dealer Notifications: September 6, 2024
Owner Notifications: November 1, 2024

If your ID.4 is affected, you should receive a formal notice soon. In the meantime, Volkswagen advises owners to remain cautious and schedule inspections if they notice any warning signs.

What You Should Do

Here’s how you can stay safe and ensure your vehicle is ready for the recall repair:

Check Your VIN: Visit Volkswagen’s recall site or NHTSA.gov to see if your vehicle is affected.
Monitor for Symptoms: Be alert for any clicking noises from the door handles.
Contact Your Dealer: If symptoms occur, schedule an inspection with your dealer.
Stay Informed: Watch for updates and notifications from Volkswagen regarding repair availability.

Ensure Your VW ID.4 Recall is Resolved for Safety and Peace of Mind

Safety is Volkswagen’s top priority, and this recall highlights the importance of addressing potential risks promptly. If your VW ID.4 is part of this recall, take action to ensure your vehicle is inspected and repaired as soon as possible. For additional support, contact Volkswagen’s customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

Being proactive about recalls not only protects you and your passengers but also ensures peace of mind on the road.