2023 Volkswagen ID.4 engine problems

ENGINE

My car failed to connect/stay connected to a charger. When a successful charge started, within 5 minutes , my dash lit up with warning messages to stop moving the car. Place car in park. Battery needs to be replaced. My car was in park at the time. Then the charging session ended and wouldn't reconnect. My car wouldn't start either. Leaving me stranded at the charging station . I called for towing service for which I was charged $122.88 for the tow. Then $479 for a new 12v battery. This didn't fix the issue. My car has been at Hawk since then waiting for a main battery. This is an unreasonable amount of time.

NHTSA complaint #11726757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

1. The car accelerates erratically when it is charged to 90 to 100%. This just plain dangerous. 2. The battery is charging to 100% when it set to charge to 80%. I learned that there is a recall for this vehicle due to the battery overheating and possibly catching on fire. However as of yesterday, there are neither diagnostics available to show whether the recall actually applies to my car, nor is their a repair available. Given the nature of the recall, this puts me in the untenable situation of not trusting my car battery - to not overheat and to not catch fire. I brought the car into VW Glenwood Springs and asked them to diagnose the problems. VW Glenwood neither charged the car to 100% nor did they drive it other than around the block. Therefore they did not experience the problem - and of course could not give me any answers. They said that car is safe to drive! I can attest that this car is not safe to drive.

NHTSA complaint #11725970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

This vehicle is a total safety hazard due to two distinct failures: ​1. Unresolved Door Defect (14+ Months): For over 14 months, the vehicle has suffered from 'Self-Opening Door Handles.' Despite 4 repair attempts, the manufacturer has failed to fix this, posing a risk of doors opening while driving. ​2. Fire Risk & Use Restriction (Current Recall 26V-028): Currently, the vehicle is under a 'High-Voltage Battery Fire Risk' recall. The manufacturer has no remedy available and advises to 'Park Outside' and 'Away from Structures,' while also advising against fast charging. ​Conclusion: I am stuck with a car that has doors that open on their own and a battery that might catch fire. The manufacturer refuses to repurchase this unsafe vehicle. I request an immediate investigation.

NHTSA complaint #11717302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The high-voltage battery in my two leased Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles are subject to NHTSA recall 26V030 (VW campaign 93EA, Jan 2026) for potential overheating and fire risk due to missing Self-Discharge Detection (SDD) software updates. This can cause thermal propagation even when parked. No failure or fire has happened in my vehicles yet; the battery remains available for inspection. However we do have warning lights, messages, range loss, and other electrical symptoms that have appeared before the recall notice. The defect creates a serious safety risk for my family. Both vehicles normally charge indoors in the garage directly under my toddler's bedroom. A fire during charging could endanger my young child and home. Recall guidance requires parking outdoors, no indoor/overnight charging, 80% max charge, and no Level 3 (DC fast) chargers until fixed (remedy starts ~March 2026). These restrictions make safe, practical use impossible: outdoor charging in Philly winter is impractical and risky (damage/theft), and no fast charging limits daily family mobility severely. The issue hasn't been reproduced or inspected by a dealer in my case—it's precautionary based on other vehicles' incidents. No manufacturer, police, or insurance inspection has occurred for my cars. VW denied buyback or relief, saying it's covered under warranty. Combined with prior recalls (door handles, software glitches needing repeated visits), this substantially impairs safe use. The fire risk forces unsustainable charging changes with young kids at home.

NHTSA complaint #11714480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

After spending the past 3 hours with VW's customer care department I have a serious problem with their decision to close my case until VW determines a recall action plan even though... VW has instructed me not to park in my garage or charge overnight due to fire risk VW has no parts and no timeline Vehicle range is materially reduced from stated 290 miles to 160 in winter / 225 in summer VW refuses lease relief and refuses long term loaner car VW closed the case while the recall remains open

NHTSA complaint #11713612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am writing to bring to your attention an issue we recently encountered with our 2023 VW ID.4. We began hearing a clicking noise and brought the vehicle in for a diagnostic inspection. The dealership has informed us that the rear drive motor has failed and that the vehicle requires a full motor replacement, estimated at nearly $5,000. Our ID.4 is only 2.5 years old with 62,000 miles. We have truly enjoyed driving it and chose Volkswagen because of its reputation for quality and reliability. To see such a critical component fail this early is very disappointing.

NHTSA complaint #11689951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

On [XXX], our 2023 VW ID.4 Pro S which kept breaking down during our Vegas trip. It’s still under manufacturer warranty. 17,931 miles, VIN # [XXX] . We got home around 10:30 PM on July 7th after leaving Vegas before noontime, EV battery overheated in the 120 degrees heat at Baker and 112 degrees temperature at Barstow and couldn’t be driven until battery cooled hours later after each stop. It was a complete nightmare with my poor wife and kids in that super hot weather. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11646095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

After just under 31K thousand miles of vehicle use, the rear drive motor began making a "clunking" sound upon each braking to a full stop, and again upon accelerating. The local dealer diagnosed the noise as coming from the rear electric drive motor. The technician consulted with Volkswagen "tech-line" personnel, who advised the local dealership to replace the rear drive motor under warranty, which they did approximately two weeks later. The noise no longer occurs.

NHTSA complaint #11636539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

On December 4, 2024, I left a Volkswagen ID.4 electric car in for service of Volkswagen due to software and door locking issues. The service manager confirmed the problems but stated that the vehicle has not yet received any repairs from Volkswagen and that there is no solution available. I have been given ongoing, negligent responses, such as being told that the only option is to buy another car or that there is nothing they can do. 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The software system and door locking mechanism are malfunctioning. Both issues are related to unrepairable recalls from Volkswagen. The software issues are causing electrical faults, stopping problems, and unsafe braking performance. The door locking issue prevents proper functionality, likely due to a malfunction in the locking system, which also impacts the security and safety of the vehicle. The car is experiencing significant issues related to software, electrical faults, stopping problems, and, most concerning, unsafe brakes. These issues present a serious safety risk. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The brake system has become unsafe due to electrical and software failures, which could result in an inability to stop the vehicle properly or in a timely manner, presenting a significant safety hazard. Additionally, the malfunctioning door locks compromise the vehicle's security, which could lead to unauthorized access. The combination of these issues not only poses a risk to the driver but also to passengers and others on the road, especially if the braking system fails unexpectedly.

NHTSA complaint #11628996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Sudden unintended acceleration I was pulling next to a curb as I was parking. My speed was approximately two or three miles per hour. My right foot was on the brake slowing the vehicle. My right hand was at the two o'clock position on the steering wheel. My left hand was not on the steering wheel. The cruise control was not engaged and had not been engaged for at least ten or fifteen miles. We had just traveled about 45 miles. The weather was clear and the roads were dry. The temperature was in the upper 40s. As we were slowing, the car suddenly accelerated as if I had fully depressed the accelerator. Since my foot was already on the brake I jammed it on and the car stopped. I’m estimating that we traveled no more than ten feet before coming to a stop. There was a car parked in front of us. The acceleration was not initiated by me, it was sudden, and it was strong. It was impossible for me to have accidentally pressed the accelerator as my right foot was on the brake. It also was impossible that I could have accidentally pressed the cruise control resume switch as my left hand was not even on the steering wheel. To me this represents a serious situation. Had we been in traffic at the time, or if there had not been sufficient room in front of the car, this could have resulted in an accident. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information.

NHTSA complaint #11619192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Our VW ID.4 was leased in December 2023. The vehicle unexpectedly went into "turtle"mode or limp mode, which according to VW happens when the battery is very low. Notably, we had 80% of battery charge at the time (which is the optimum charge). Unexpectedly, the yellow turtle display came on and, worse, the vehicle lost power while driving. The speed was greatly reduced, the power was also greatly reduced. The car went from regenerative breaking to loss of regenerative breaking, while the center drive display still showed "B" for regenerative breaking. It was also almost not possible to drive up a small hill. The vehicle displayed 2 error messages (we have photos, also of the 80% battery charge, which we attach): 1. "Vehicle performance is limited. See owner's manual." 2. "Electrical system not working correctly. Safely stop the vehicle." Comment: In our opinion, the vehicle is not safe to drive. The unexpected reduction in speed and loss of power, paired with the loss of regenerative breaking, creates very dangerous conditions. It may not be possible to "Safely stop the vehicle". In addition, we have also lost the center display and dashboard display twice now, which we believe is mentioned in NHTSA Recall Number24V344. VW sent us a letter in July informing us that our vehicle is subject to this recall. Yes, we have experienced the issue, twice. It is even more scary, if this happens when the vehicle loses power unexpectedly on an 80% charge. It is unacceptable that VW states in its recall letter "A recall repair is not available yet". VW is exposing drivers and passengers to significant risk. We are concerned that this vehicle is not safe to drive. We have brought it to the dealer on Monday 8-26-2024 and are awaiting diagnostics and repair.

NHTSA complaint #11611161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Julio 30, 2024 Volkswagen Customer Care Volkswagen Group of America 3800 Hamlin Road Auburn Hills, MI 48326 Dear Volkswagen Customer Care, I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent recall notice I received for my Volkswagen vehicle, VIN [XXX] 2023 VOLKSWAGEN ID.4 Due to the severe safety issues outlined in the recall, I have been unable to use the car, yet I am still making payments on it. Given that the necessary repairs are not currently available, I am understandably concerned about continuing to drive a vehicle that poses a risk to my safety. My attempts to resolve this issue through the dealership have unfortunately been unsuccessful, as they have not accepted the vehicle for return or provided a satisfactory resolution. Given these circumstances, I am requesting a resolution to this matter. Specifically, I seek the following: Return and Refund: I wish to return the vehicle and receive a full refund of all payments made to date, considering that I am unable to use the car due to safety concerns and the unavailability of repairs. Additional Compensation: Compensation for any inconvenience or costs incurred as a result of this situation, including but not limited to, rental car expenses or loss of use. If Volkswagen is unable to address this matter promptly, I will have no choice but to pursue legal action for product liability and negligence. I hope to avoid this course of action and resolve the issue amicably. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss this matter further. I look forward to your prompt response and resolution. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11605502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

This is an all electrical vehicle, When we first got it had a issue right away the car was stuck on reverse and we could not do anything, they kids where in the back and had to press the breaks to hold it in place and could not release it. We were in a parking lot, after awhile the system rebooted and it was normal. Brought it to the dealership and got it serviced and they said nothing was wrong with it. Second recent issue car powered down could not do anything while on the road lost all control. This is a huge issue if there was a car behind us going fast speed could be fatal! the power down issue has happened to us 3 times. Currently at the dealership to review but we have no confidence they will find a issue.

NHTSA complaint #11601448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The car milage dropped Significantly, i took it to Tracy VW shop and they did not repair it , took it to Dublin VW and they did took 2 weeks replacing a battery cell then they found another defective electric cable that is on backorder with no eta for replacement , i am paying for gas and for fixing on a loaner car rather that drive my own car

NHTSA complaint #11592939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While backing up in a driveway at approximately 3-4 miles per hour, the vehicle lost all power and stalled. Both screens went completely black. Seconds later (10-15 maybe) the system re-initialized as if it was rebooted. If this happened at higher speed, it might result in accidents.

NHTSA complaint #11555542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

1. FRONT COLLISION WARNING SENSOR DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WORKING. THE FRONT SENSOR DOES NOT DETECT ANYTHING IN THE FRONT WHILE IN DRIVING MODE. COULD BE A SOFTWARE OR SENSOR ISSUE. NEEDS TO BE CHECKED OUT. 2. WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, USUALLY ON THE STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT. SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SWITCHES OFF OR GOES TO THE PARK MODE. IN ORDER TO SWITCH ON THE VEHICLE, I NEED TO STEP OUT OF THE VEHICLE, LOCK THE DOORS, THEN UNLOCK THE DOORS, THEN I CAN RESTART THE VEHICLE. TO DRIVE. LOOKS LIKE THERE MUST BE A SOFTWARE ISSUE. NEEDS TO BE CHECKED FOR THE SAFETY AND CONVINCE.

NHTSA complaint #11529786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I was passing on a highway ant high speed and the car shut down. It gave me about twenty seconds to coast to a stop on the shoulder before it completely turned off. This happened twice.

NHTSA complaint #11522391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Brand new ID4 2023 with 800 miles goes into park and refuses to drive because this error message pops up, "unable to start please remove charging socket" the charger is not plugged in and I was just driving on the highway when this message first appeared. Then I come to a stop and that's when the car goes into park and refuses to drive in the middle of a busy 4 way intersection.

NHTSA complaint #11509418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

On long drives (1+ hour or more) my 2023 VW ID.4 Pro S (all electric) displays a "limited driving power" warning at random times, and the speed drops by half or more. This has happened on all long drives (5 separate days) and the car has been serviced by the dealer three times and they cannot find a solution. This is a significant safety risk as it often happens on the highway and I could get rear-ended if I cannot pull off the road in time.

NHTSA complaint #11509090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While in reverse if you turn to look back through the window instead of relying on the back-up camera, the car will turn off because there is a sensor on the seat that turns the car off if weight is not distributed correctly. The camera is not always reliable especially in situations with a lot of traffic or tricking maneuvering situations. I have had the car turn off on me at least five times, three of which was when I was in a busy parking lot. If the camera were to fail and I needed to solely rely on looking out the window, having the car turn off, creates a huge safety concern.

NHTSA complaint #11494568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.