79 of the
557 complaints about the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 are about the
driver-assist systems — 14% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
35,000 miles.
F
79
Complaints
22
Crashes
0
Fires
6
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Adaptive Cruise Control
2126.6%
Automatic Emergency Braking
1417.7%
Warnings
1113.9%
Back Over Prevention
1012.7%
Assist
67.6%
Warnings
67.6%
Blind Spot Detection
45.1%
Rearview System Braking
33.8%
Warning
33.8%
Steering Assist
11.3%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance across every Volkswagen ID.4 year
In the process of parking, vehicle was stopped in the parking spot and vehicle suddenly accelerated to a high speed and crashed into a brick column. Air bags did go off. The warning sound and diagram that indicates you may have gotten too close to the curb in front did not go off. Police were called and inspected the vehicle before it was towed.
NHTSA complaint #11753759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeville, MNCrash2 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
While reversing out of a parking space, my 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 automatically braked and stopped abruptly. Immediately afterward, the vehicle accelerated forward unexpectedly. I pressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle did not respond and crashed into a retaining wall. A forensic analysis of the vehicle’s event data showed the accelerator was at 100% and the vehicle was traveling approximately 22 mph at impact. The airbags deployed, the vehicle was totaled, and both occupants sustained injuries. I believe the vehicle experienced a serious malfunction involving the braking and acceleration systems.
NHTSA complaint #11739175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PACrash
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.
NHTSA complaint #11734050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cupertino, CACrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was slowing down to park the car when it lurched forward in high speed and smashed into the wall. The front collision warning never went off, and the emergency braking never came on. My foot was on the accelerator and lifting off to park at low speed like I do all the time, so it wasn't like I was trying to slam on the brakes and pressed on the accelerator by mistake. The car was serviced at the dealership less than a week ago, but VW pushed out an OTA update 2 days ago. I don't know if the OTA update has anything to do with this scary behavior, but I have not experienced anything like this before.
NHTSA complaint #11719996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cupertino, CACrash
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
I was slowing down to park the car when it lurched forward in high speed and smashed into the wall. The front collision warning never went off, and the emergency braking never came on. My foot was on the accelerator and lifting off to park at low speed like I do all the time, so it wasn't like I was trying to slam on the brakes and pressed on the accelerator by mistake. The car was serviced at the dealership less than a week ago, but VW pushed out an OTA update 2 days ago. I don't know if the OTA update has anything to do with this scary behavior, but I have not experienced anything like this before.
NHTSA complaint #11719996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lizella, GA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Vehicle infotainment system displays "Rearview Camera Error" when putting vehicle in Reverse. As a result, the vehicle will not display anything when backing up, therefore causing a safety risk for the driver, and/or anyone behind the vehicle. Dealer has confirmed either a software glitch or a camera malfunction repair of at least $2500.00. Online consensus with other VW ID4 owners seems to be a software glitch, as the camera will work if the fuse from the main electrical panel is removed, then reinstalled. This fix only lasts for a couple of days before the camera error returns. There were no warnings or symptoms of the "camera error". In fact, all was working well before our last service visit when the vehicle's software was updated.
NHTSA complaint #11681182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lizella, GA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Vehicle infotainment system displays "Rearview Camera Error" when putting vehicle in Reverse. As a result, the vehicle will not display anything when backing up, therefore causing a safety risk for the driver, and/or anyone behind the vehicle. Dealer has confirmed either a software glitch or a camera malfunction repair of at least $2500.00. Online consensus with other VW ID4 owners seems to be a software glitch, as the camera will work if the fuse from the main electrical panel is removed, then reinstalled. This fix only lasts for a couple of days before the camera error returns. There were no warnings or symptoms of the "camera error". In fact, all was working well before our last service visit when the vehicle's software was updated.
NHTSA complaint #11681182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was pulling into street parking spot behind a parked car at a slow speed and braking to stop. I put my foot on the brake to bring the car to a complete stop but instead of slowing down the car accelerated straight into the vehicle in front of me. The rear end of the car in front of me was substantially damaged.
NHTSA complaint #11680157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle accelerated without control and crashed into the wall between my garage and the adjacent laundry room. That day someone could have easily been seriously hurt or killed. The problem was investigated but could not been reproduced. The vehicle was inspected by a team of investigators from the Manufacturer, VW. No warning signs or abnormal situations prior the the incident. The vehicle was in our possession and driven for 3 years, about 55k miles, no issues ever. The driver at the time is an experienced driver and familiar with the vehicle operation for three years.
NHTSA complaint #11668778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MDCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was driving my 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S on March 12, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland, when I was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Although I maintained an adequate stopping distance from the truck in front of me, my forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance systems suddenly activated, causing my vehicle to make contact with the truck. My safety—and the safety of others—was compromised. My vehicle sustained front-end damage. This was not the first time these systems engaged without cause. I took my vehicle to Heritage Volkswagen Parkville (located in Carney, Maryland) due to unresolved recalls and these irregular system behaviors. The dealership claims that Volkswagen requires me to replace the tires, align the wheels, and install a new 12V battery before completing the recall work or troubleshooting the issue. I informed the service manager that the vehicle is unsafe to drive and that, under federal law, the dealership is obligated to complete the recall. He responded that the recall work cannot proceed until the tire replacement, alignment, and battery installation are completed. As of June 23, 2025, my vehicle remains at the dealership. I have unsuccessfully attempted to reach VW’s Customer CARE department. The vehicle is not safe. I believe VW is at fault.
NHTSA complaint #11668780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walnut Creek, CACrash
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
I was pulling into a parking space and slowly moving forward to get to the front of the space. The car spurted forward about 2 feet with force and crashed into a cement based light standard. There was significant damage to the front end. No injuries. Airbag did not inflate. Vehicle is currently at body shop but no one has looked at the 'black box'. Geico rep and adjuster at the body shop have looked at the car. Safety was at risk due to crashing in to a solid object. Fortunately I was going slow when it accelerated and did not have enough time or space to cause injuries
NHTSA complaint #11657616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving at 35 mph when the front doors began unlocking and locking rapidly three times, then both front doors fell open ajar, at the same time the screen went grey with a triangle ! icon as an audile alarm went off then the drivers side curtain airbag deployed forcing the steering wheel to the right causing the vehicle to collide head on into an electric utility pole. I tried to brake but was pushed by airbag from brake pedal. I was wearing a seat belt but suffered an burn from the airbag on right inner forearm that was impression of VW logo and has resulted in lasting scar, I had modest right wrist sprain and right shin contusion, abrasion. The vehicle rolled back in the road and was towed and later totaled by insurance. The automatic braking detection nor any other airbag deployed on collision.
NHTSA complaint #11657160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Haines City, FL
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V651000 (STRUCTURE), 23V040000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), 25V120000 (POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) and 24V344000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, EQUIPMENT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11649441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
This vehicle has had multiple electrical system failures that minimally disable driver assist safety features. An error message is received that the vehicle is experiencing electrical system failure. This is the third such message recieved since July 2024. I have had the vehicle serviced to resolve the prior two instances, after which the message is produced again. Given the high number of recalls for the model and the stop sale order last year, I don’t believe the manufacturer is honestly addressing the safety defects for this model. I have reported the issue to VW of America and they closed my case pending evidence. The VW dealership who serviced the vehicle purged my service records. When I produced the evidence I had of the system failures, VW of America is unresponsive.
NHTSA complaint #11643551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While stopped at a red light waiting to turn left, with foot on the brake, my car suddenly accelerated and lunged forward , plowing into the car in front of me with great force. I had to jam down the brake almost to the floor to get the car to stop. My foot was on the brake. There is no way I hit the accelerator. Even if I had, the AEB system is supposed to prevent me crashing at close range. I understand that this is a known issue related to the adaptive cruise control. The force of my car was so great that 3 cars in front of me sustained damage.
NHTSA complaint #11638342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Ramon, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V651000 (STRUCTURE) and 24V344000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, EQUIPMENT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11635598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, TN
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
The vehicle has suffered multiple failures of the main infotainment display. This screen is used to show the backup camera, as well as to adjust all vehicle settings and safety systems. The infotainment display will go black, and will not reboot or respond to touch input. This means that the backup camera is nonfunctional, as well as perimeter traffic warnings and vehicle controls for climate and safety systems. The vehicle has been serviced by an authorized VW dealer on multiple occasions, but the issue has reoccured at least three times. Each time, it has required about a month in the shop. The manufacturer has denied a buyback and states that the vehicle is performing as intended. They have also denied reimbursement of expenses. This vehicle has spent over 120 days in the service department within the previous calendar year.
NHTSA complaint #11635515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 171,656 milesVentura, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel went dark for one minute displayed different colors, and then independently changed. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V344000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, EQUIPMENT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) but the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that the back-over prevention camera had been seized five times. The contact had paid for the recall repair and the dealer had promised a reimbursement by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 171,656.
NHTSA complaint #11633390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Concord, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owned a 2021 Volkswagen ID4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V6510009 (Structure) and 24V344000 (Back Over Prevention, Equipment, Electrical System) would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
NHTSA complaint #11628605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arroyo Grande, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V651000 (STRUCTURE) and 24V344000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, EQUIPMENT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11625470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roseville, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Main screen goes blank sometimes when backing up Rear cross traffic warning has jammed on the breaks when nothing is nearby causing a jarring stop, VW has no fix to date and I want to get rid of this unsafe car
NHTSA complaint #11621380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wellesley, MA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Over the past month, the car has provided warnings when driving: 1. Front assist has limited availability, 2. ACC unavailable, and 3. Emergency assist is currently not available. Note: the ACC was not engaged when these messages appeared. On October 1 I was driving on a highway at about 65 MPH with adaptive cruise control engaged. The weather was clear. Suddenly the ACC disengaged and the car began to slow. I re-accelerated the car by pushing the accelerator and continued my trip without ACC. No accident occurred but I was surprised when the car began to slow without warning on a major highway at high speed. When it was safe to do so, I pulled over into the breakdown lane to read the messages. The two messages displayed were Front assist has limited availability and Emergency assist currently not available. The picture on the front of the dashboard also indicated that ACC was not available. Over the next few days while driving locally (without ACC engaged), these three messages would periodically appear on the dashboard. I brought the car into a local VW dealer (Wellesley Volkswagen) to have it looked at by the service department. They indicated on the invoice from the visit that they "performed road test. RAND GFF and performed soft configuration of the 5F, front sensor and cluster. Reset all codes with success." The invoice also listed "Concern: 919A vehicle software open. Correction Not available at this time - customer will get notice via mail". I was told by the VW Wellesley representative when I picked up the car that these error messages will likely re-appear until I get the 919A software update, which is not available. These error messages did re-appear yesterday, October 12, while driving locally without ACC engaged. As a side note, I received a recall 919A in the mail from Volkswagen in July 2024 (more than 3 months ago) telling me that a recall repair is not available.
NHTSA complaint #11619534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Over the past month, the car has provided warnings when driving: 1. Front assist has limited availability, 2. ACC unavailable, and 3. Emergency assist is currently not available. Note: the ACC was not engaged when these messages appeared. On October 1 I was driving on a highway at about 65 MPH with adaptive cruise control engaged. The weather was clear. Suddenly the ACC disengaged and the car began to slow. I re-accelerated the car by pushing the accelerator and continued my trip without ACC. No accident occurred but I was surprised when the car began to slow without warning on a major highway at high speed. When it was safe to do so, I pulled over into the breakdown lane to read the messages. The two messages displayed were Front assist has limited availability and Emergency assist currently not available. The picture on the front of the dashboard also indicated that ACC was not available. Over the next few days while driving locally (without ACC engaged), these three messages would periodically appear on the dashboard. I brought the car into a local VW dealer (Wellesley Volkswagen) to have it looked at by the service department. They indicated on the invoice from the visit that they "performed road test. RAND GFF and performed soft configuration of the 5F, front sensor and cluster. Reset all codes with success." The invoice also listed "Concern: 919A vehicle software open. Correction Not available at this time - customer will get notice via mail". I was told by the VW Wellesley representative when I picked up the car that these error messages will likely re-appear until I get the 919A software update, which is not available. These error messages did re-appear yesterday, October 12, while driving locally without ACC engaged. As a side note, I received a recall 919A in the mail from Volkswagen in July 2024 (more than 3 months ago) telling me that a recall repair is not available.
NHTSA complaint #11619534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vista, CA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
when purchased from dealer . was told there were no recalls. Called Volkswagen america. said they would fix soon. no repair aviable. Car is unsafe.
NHTSA complaint #11618254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesVancouver, WA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V344000 (Back Over Prevention, Equipment, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing a loss of speedometer information, a loss of rearview camera image, and a loss of several communication functions within the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11618104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the display screen seized and was displaying a black screen. The contact stated that the rear passenger's door handle failed to unlock and open the door. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V651000 (Structure) and 24V344000 (Back Over Prevention, Equipment, Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11616366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesYorba Linda, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V344000 (Back Over Prevention, Equipment, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the center display failed to turn on. The contact stated while reversing at 5MPH, the rearview camera failed to engage, causing the rear vehicle panel to strike a tree and to become bent. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the failure was related to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11615274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockville, MDCrash1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I had backed in to a parking space in a parking lot. To exit, I shifted the car into Drive, gently touched the accelerator (which should have accelerated the car to 2 MPH) and turned the steering wheel about 90° clockwise with my left hand to straighten the wheels. In doing so, the base of my left thumb inadvertently pushed the Set button on the cruise control, causing it to set to 15 MPH, its minimum setting, and the car to rapidly accelerate. I jammed on the breaks but wasn’t able to stop in time to avoid colliding into the side of a passing car. Because my right knee was locked in my effort to stop my car, the force of the impact was transferred to my hip and, though nothing was broken, I ended up spending two days in the observation unit of my hospital followed by eight days in residential rehabilitation. At the time, I had no idea what had caused the car to suddenly accelerate, seemingly without any input and certainly without my intent. It wasn’t until several months later that a similar acceleration event occurred, fortunately not resulting in an accident, and I was able to determine the cause. This problem is not the result of defective parts but of design. I believe the cruise Set button should not be located so close to the steering wheel rim and should not be raised as it is, but the safety issue could also be resolved in software by not allowing the cruise control to engage at very low speeds.
NHTSA complaint #11614049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Damascus, PA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
VW still has not remedied the rebooting screens issue from their May recall. If the main driver information screen shuts off, cruise control and lane keep also shut off, which means the vehicle slows down and will not continue following the lane, resulting in the vehicle possibly being put in a dangerous situation.
NHTSA complaint #11613835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Damascus, PA
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
VW still has not remedied the rebooting screens issue from their May recall. If the main driver information screen shuts off, cruise control and lane keep also shut off, which means the vehicle slows down and will not continue following the lane, resulting in the vehicle possibly being put in a dangerous situation.
NHTSA complaint #11613835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.