Are you familiar with the VW ID.4 problems?
The Volkswagen ID.4 EV SUV is created to meet all driver expectations. Its distinctive style, performance, and functionality set it apart. The ID.4 SUV is famous for its ample spaciousness, a wealth of tech features, and a standard DC Fast Charging ability, which makes charging at public charging stations quick and simple.
The car successfully combines comfort, practicality, and enough driving range to enable drivers to convert from the traditional combustion models. Models with rear-wheel drive have one motor and 201 horsepower. Those with all-wheel drive add a second motor and increase power output to 295 horsepower.
Although the base Standard trim is less expensive and has a higher price tag, it only has a smaller battery. This allows it a range of about 208 miles, compared to the maximum range of roughly 275 miles per charge of the more expensive trims.
Nevertheless, the Volkswagen ID.4 has had several issues with various parts and systems. For the 2023 model, more than half of the complaints made to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mention electrical system problems [1].
The brakes, engine, external lighting, forward collision avoidance, powertrain, seats, steering, structure, and vehicle speed control are among the various parts and systems identified as having issues.
Five issues are named under the electrical system-related complaints. They include trouble with the batteries, doors, and windows, as well as faults with the infotainment system, lighting, heating, and digital displays.
Most Common VW ID.4 Problems
- Software Issues
Virtually from the start, software issues have hampered VW’s deployment of its new EV lineup. Owners of the ID.4 have complained about problems with the infotainment system, the controls, and smartphone integration, among other things.
Nearly 21,000 VW ID.4s were recalled due to defective battery software [2].
The issue was that the high-voltage battery management software would reset while the car was moving, which would result in a loss of power. Vehicles made between May 26, 2020, and January 20, 2022, were subject to the recall.
The company claimed that it was first made aware of reports from Europe about a potential “software issue” with its high-voltage battery management system in July 2021. Some US drivers reported that the battery software issue resulted in the car stalling.
After analysis, VW came to the conclusion that the software could cause a reset in the high voltage (HV) battery management control module or deactivation of the pulse inverter.
Although no accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of this problem, a potential reset of the battery software might result in a loss of propulsion while driving. This could increase the danger of an accident, according to VW.
The pulse inverter control unit and the high-voltage battery management control unit both need new software to be fixed [3]. Although VW began distributing over-the-air software updates to a small number of ID.4 owners, the firm claims that a dealership will be the only place to get the repair. Owners of the ID.4 were called by their dealers to arrange appointments.
- Battery Issues
Many ID.4 owners have complained about the 12-volt battery unexpectedly losing power or dying completely. A complaint was raised about how quickly the 12-volt battery ages. After only a year, the voltage began to drop dramatically at night, causing the internal systems to crash and produce error messages.
According to the owner, if the car is left idle for 2 to 3 days, the voltage drops so low that it requires a complete restart. This involves calibrating the pedestrian warning speakers’ audio sweep.
In another complaint, a new Californian owner of the ID.4 received a warning a day after purchasing the SUV. The owner opted to drive it for around 80 miles even though it had just 20 miles on it to make sure the 12-volt battery was charged.
The car was rendered inoperable the next day. The accessory voltage had fallen to 8 volts due to the failing battery. The headlights went out, the power steering stopped, and it was impossible to put the car in neutral.
The 12-volt battery is required by the ID.4 to power all of its electronic and computer components. The car will behave as though it has been fully bricked when the battery dies. [4]
Additionally, not every time the EV is hooked into the charger does the 12-volt battery automatically start to charge. The high-voltage battery, which is only turned on when you’re driving, supplies the energy to charge the 12-volt battery.
It can quickly lose its charge if you don’t drive for several weeks or if you keep it outside in cold weather. Due to manufacturing flaws, some batteries can even begin to die before they’ve lasted their first year.
Moreover, due to the high volume of battery-related complaints received for the 2021 and 2022 models, Volkswagen changed the 12-volt battery in more recent model years to an EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) [5]. The EFB lasts longer even after repeated deep discharges.
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- Infotainment System Issues
Since its debut, the infotainment system in the Volkswagen ID.4 has drawn numerous complaints and criticisms. The complaints range from arbitrary glitches and problems to dubious UI decisions.
The following are some of the more frequent criticisms of infotainment:
- Takes a while to start up
- Periodically restarts
- Display goes dark
- Sporadic freezes and crashes
After various software updates, some of the infotainment problems that individuals had been complaining about have been resolved.
However, many others still exist. These include oddities, like having to utilize the up and down arrows on the steering wheel to navigate to the prior or subsequent track rather than the left and right ones.
Many owners also dislike how the radio begins to play as soon as the vehicle is started. One must either remember to press the infotainment’s power button each time the car is started or lower the startup volume in the settings.
Some of the sporadic software problems and malfunctions may typically be resolved by pressing and holding the infotainment’s power button for around 10 seconds until the screen shuts off. You can force the car to turn off all the electronics by turning off the engine and then opening the door if the infotainment system is still unresponsive.
- Charging Problems
VW has recalled 2023 ID.4 vehicles experiencing trouble with the 12V battery charging cable. The 1,042 affected ID.4 model units were produced between October 18, 2022, and December 15, 2022 [6].
According to a recall notice, the steering column shaft could make contact with the 12V battery charging wire, resulting in cable insulation wearing through. If this were to occur, a short circuit might be set off, resulting in a loss of power while driving which would result in an accident.
Furthermore, a short circuit raises the possibility of a car catching fire. However, VW argues that because it is a low-voltage wire, occupants and service personnel working on afflicted vehicles are not in danger of receiving an electric shock. The company also warns that the steering system runs the risk of being harmed if an electrical current flows through it.
According to the NHTSA, the bend in the problematic portion was not manufactured following production specifications.
Owners of affected vehicles will get alert messages indicating a low 12V battery charge. A burning odor, smoke, sparks, or a fire might also be visible close to the left front of the car. [7]
Due to the potential fire danger, VW is asking owners to park their cars away from buildings and other structures. Owners were instructed to bring their car to a dealer, where the 12V battery charging cable would be checked and, if necessary, repaired or replaced.
To fix this issue, check to see if there is electricity if your ID4 isn’t charging. You should also clear the specified charging location and inspect the cable for any damage. But if you’ve tried everything and are still having trouble, you might want to get in touch with Volkswagen customer service for assistance.
- Air Conditioning Issues
Several owners have complained on customer forums that the air conditioning system of the VW ID.4 blows hot air when turned on. One owner found a problem with a leaky hose when they took their car to a dealer.
Although hot air is a typical Volkswagen ID.4 A/C issue, it’s not the only one you could run into. Weak airflow, which may be a sign of an outdated ventilation fan, a seal or hose that needs to be replaced, or mold accumulation in your air conditioning system are other common issues [8].
The air conditioning system may have a clogged expansion valve, a broken compressor clutch, a blown fuse, or a leak if it initially blows cold air before switching to warm air.
You might also experience odors emanating from the air conditioning vents of the VW ID.4. This could be a sign that there is mold in the evaporator casing or that you need to replace the cabin air filter.
- Production Problems
Deliveries of the Volkswagen ID.4 in the US stopped in Q2 2022. The average number of deliveries per month decreased to hundreds [9].
As a result, several customers complained their cars arrived late, almost 11 months after making a purchase. The standard minimum time of delivery is 8 months.
After a dismal first quarter, Volkswagen’s automobile sales in the US continued to decline. This is most likely due to significant supply issues and the restricted supply of new cars.
In Q2, the company reports delivering 78,281 vehicles, which was 34% fewer than in Q2 of the previous year. Volkswagen ID.4 deliveries, which made up 1.2% of the total volume, fell 71% year over year to 1,660 [10].
It’s the most dismal performance by the vehicle since its introduction in the US. And because there is a large number of orders (more than 40,000 by end of 2021), it’s possible that Volkswagen is not bringing in a lot of cars from Europe.
Later in 2022, things were expected to become better. This was because production at Volkswagen’s Emden plant was ramping up and the Zwickau facility was operating on three shifts once more. However, the local production in Chattanooga, Tennessee, was most likely the source of the ID.4’s greatest shift.
Read Also: VW ID.3 Problems
Conclusion
Although the VW ID.4 is a fairly well-liked EV, many people are debating buying one. You should be aware that the ID.4 is an entry-level EV, meaning that it makes a lot of effort to make it look premium.
Trouble with the electrical system, brakes, and suspension, build quality, as well as difficulties with the equipment and trim, are the most frequent VW ID.4 complaints. And even though most issues are rather simple to fix, poor VW quality control is also largely to blame for them.
Overall, VW ID.4 is an acceptable vehicle with room for improvement. It is likely going to get better with a mid-cycle refresh that should happen in the upcoming years because most VW models tend to get better with later generations.
There are many strong points with the VW ID.4. A few of the alluring features include rear-wheel drive design, massaging seats, gesture control, and a comprehensive array of modern driving aids. This means that the vehicle is worth purchasing.
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