There are 50 owner-reported electrical system complaints for the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4in NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
Car has been in and out of various VW dealers since purchase at the end of August 2023. Car was purchased new. Immediately began receiving emergency “stop driving vehicle” messages on driver display. VW on call service advised if the car drives, I can operate it and no further action is necessary. Various Electical errors including charge 12V battery, infotainment screen going black or resetting while driving, no display while in reverse, car losing power on highway, car alarm going off while driving, if hazard lights are used, they do not shut off unless the car is off and driver is out of the car for at least ten minutes, interior lights flash on and off (this is a safety issue as is if incredibly difficult to see while driving at night, car has been in shop three times for this, no repairs, the car battery drains incredibly quickly; usually get about 2kWh in town driving, charging errors; charger not recognized, or car displays it is charging, but when complete, it didn’t charge, windows don’t respond to the controls, door handles don’t always work to open the doors; often have to access the car from passenger side (these have been replaced and still don’t work), emergency braking system doesn’t function, car ghost breaks (no objects ahead, clean sensors, driving and brakes slam on), multiple leaks in vehicle including headlights, rear driver tail light, and the light on top of the back hatch, car loses connection to emergency system, infotainment screen doesn’t respond to finger touches and must be reset, to initiate OTA updates, fuse needs to be pulled. I barely drive the car, and it’s my only vehicle. It’s not safe (lighting issues ongoing, alarms, safety features don’t work, can’t get into the car) and not reliable for travel as charging is hit or miss (at commercial charging stations and home charging station), and the battery life is extremely short, even in perfect conditions using cruise control in eco mode, the car only travels about 130 miles.
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated that while charging the vehicle at a charging station, the charging port started smoking. Upon removing the charger, the contact became aware of a loose pin and melted plastic. The vehicle was driven to a dealer, but the dealer declined to service the vehicle without providing a reason for declining to service the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro S, VIN [XXX] , which is subject to Manufacturer Recall No. 93EA / NHTSA Recall No. 26V030, issued on January 21, 2026. According to the recall, in rare circumstances, the high-voltage battery modules may experience thermal propagation, possibly resulting in a vehicle fire. The recall further states that customers may experience loss of range and/or performance if the recall condition exists in the vehicle. The stated safety risk is that the vehicle may catch fire due to battery-related thermal propagation. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen dealership for diagnosis and warranty/recall repair after learning of the recall. However, nearly two months after the recall was issued, the remedy is still not available. As a result, I remain in possession of and am expected to continue using a vehicle that is subject to a serious fire-related safety recall, without any available repair to correct the defect. This creates an ongoing safety concern. I do not feel safe continuing to drive or park the vehicle because of the possibility of a battery fire. My concern is heightened as warmer weather approaches, because heat may increase battery-related fire risks. Even if the event is described as rare, a fire risk involving a high-voltage battery is serious and presents an unacceptable safety concern for me as the driver and for others around the vehicle. The manufacturer has acknowledged the defect through the recall, but has not made a timely remedy available. I am asking NHTSA to note that consumers are being left without a repair for a serious recalled safety defect for an extended period of time. Vehicle information: •Year/Make/Model: 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro S •VIN: [XXX] •Purchase/Lease Type: Leased •Delivery Date: December 7, 2023 •Recall Number: Volkswagen 93EA / NHTSA 26V030 I presented the vehicle to for repair, but no remedy is available INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The instrument panel in my car went completely dark, leaving me without any knowledge of my speed. This is a massive safety risk. I am taking it to the dealership tomorrow, but there are no issues that came up when this failed, it just failed to boot correctly, and nothing I could do would bring it back.
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V344000 (Back Prevention, Equipment, Electrical System); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall repair was performed; however, the vehicle failed to start and became inoperable after the repair. The dealer determined that the emergency call module needed to be replaced but at the vehicle owner’s expense. The contact declined to pay for the repair and contacted the manufacturer, who referred the contact to another dealer for a second opinion. The vehicle remained with the first dealer because the vehicle was undrivable, and because the second dealer was 2 hours away. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer offered no help in covering the cost of the repair. The contact stated that the recall repair had failed to prevent the failure and caused the vehicle to become inoperable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
I am advised by VW to not charge this vehicle using the L3 super chargers along with not to charge it "inside" a garage. However, there is no way to charge the vehicle then without spending thousands to have an electrician move the plug outside. So I am forced to have this vehicle not usable and VW offers zero fix. I have written them a formal demand letter over 3 weeks ago requesting a fix or buy back and they ignore it. They have sold a vehicle which is clearly unsafe, however offer no fix
Car is inoperable. The display states a number of issues: Display states that: 1. "Error: Drive System. Please service vehicle." 2. "Unable to Start. Please Remove the Charging Cable": Vehicle is unable to start due to the fact that the charger cable is still attached. The vehicle is not plugged in, and cannot be moved because of this. 3.Display states that "Range Cannot Be Calculated" 4."Electrical System Not Working Correctly! Safely Stop The Vehicle." This car has many issues, but these are new and are keeping the vehicle from being able to be operated
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.
The driver of my vehicle stated that my car suddenly lurched forward striking a cross passing vehicle. He did not accelerate and the emergency brake system failed to engage in advance of an obvious and avoidable crash.
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
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced a failure related to the high-voltage battery, which prevented the vehicle from charging properly. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V836000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 approximate failure mileage was 63,000.
My 2023 VW ID.4 AWD Pro S is subject to Recall 93EA (NHTSA 26V030) for battery fire risk. I must: park outside only (no garage), avoid all DC fast charging, and limit charge to 80%. These restrictions substantially impair use: Cannot park in my garage due to fire risk. Cannot travel beyond ~100 miles (no DC fast charging for longer trips). Reduced range from 80% charge limit. On 1/29/26, I contacted VW Customer CARE requesting repair timeline and accommodations since my lease ends 5/26/26. VW responded: "No fixed timeline for parts availability or repair" "No special lease-end accommodations" "Not processing buybacks at this time" I am paying $750.77/month for a vehicle I cannot fully use, with no repair timeline. My confidence in timely repair is further diminished because this vehicle also has an unfulfilled door handle recall (VW 57J9 / NHTSA 24V651, dated 9/4/24)—over 16 months without resolution. If VW cannot source door handles in 16 months, battery modules will not be available before my lease ends. Filing to document: Substantial impairment from recall restrictions. VW's inability to provide repair timeline. VW's refusal to accommodate affected customers. Pattern of unfulfilled recalls (door handle 16+ months). Request NHTSA monitor VW's recall remedy timeline and ensure affected owners receive timely repairs or appropriate alternatives.
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V030000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V836000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact requested vehicle rental assistance and a place to park the fire risk vehicle; however, the request was denied. The contact had not experienced a failure.
My 2023 VW ID4 has experienced multiple system failures/malfunctions (e.g., display, backup camera, climate controls, & speedometer failed) beginning in late November 2025. The following is a summary & an approximate timeline: Nov 4, 2025: “OUE7 – Software Update” email; dealer unable to complete (OTA update). Nov 7 & Nov 21, 2025: Weatherstrip repairs; maintenance inspections performed. Nov 30, 2025: Doors randomly unlocked; front, passenger door failed to latch; intermittent door popper issue. Door handles were previously replaced on Apr 2, 2025. Dec 14, 2025: Incorrect dynamic road signs/speed limits; vehicle mis‑positioned on maps; warnings: 1. “No data is available” 2. “Dynamic road sign display unavailable.” Dec 22, 2025: Major failures documented in photographs below: 1. Speedometer incorrect/no speed. 2. Brake/auto‑hold intermittent malfunction. 3. Multifunction display froze. 4. Defrost/climate controls unresponsive. 5. Backup camera failure. Dec 22, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026: Vehicle at dealer for ~24 days; dealer unable to replicate issues above. Dealer documented CarNet/connected vehicle issues. VW requested switching CarNet carriers (from Verizon to T‑Mobile), not possible for 2023 ID4. Jan 14–15, 2026: Dealer stated “safe to drive”; vehicle picked up. Dealer said VW would contact once they have a resolution for the CarNet. Jan 17, 2026: Same failures (display, backup camera, etc.) above reoccurred; documented by service advisor/manager. Jan 27, 2026: Notifications of open recalls: High‑voltage battery fire risk (NHTSA Recall IDs 26V028, 26V030). Jan 17 – Jan 30, 2026: Vehicle at dealer additional ~13 days; 5F modules replaced. CarNet issues & recalls still unresolved. OUE7 update still appears to be incomplete. Jan 30, 2026: Dealer stated “safe to drive” again; vehicle picked up. Today, the CarNet app / connected vehicle issues & open recall remain unresolved. Continues to show doors open, windows down, & incorrect charge, location, & mileage.
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.
The navigation and GPS shows the car is hundreds of miles from where it actually is. In the event of an accident, the automatic emergency call will not show the proper location of the vehicle making any first responder assistance impossible. This is not a new problem for VW as several models including the ID.4 have had this problem as documented on several on-line owner groups. eg. https://www.vwidtalk.com/threads/navigation-and-sign-errors.13194/ The problem, as verified by my local VW dealer on Dec 30 2025, is the 5F module which controls the navigation and other functions that appear on the main screen (eg backup camera). This problem first happened in early December 2025. The navigation screen shows the car miles from where it actually is. The vehicle info screen will not display speed limit signs, or any gps related items (accidents, charging stations, etc). The car has been to the dealer twice to fix this problem. First time for 3 days and it is still there the second time, 4 days and counting. They seem to be either unable or unwilling to fix this problem.
My Volkswagen ID.4 experienced a sudden crack in the windshield followed by smoke and fire near the dashboard/A-pillar area. The manufacturer denied responsibility and claimed the windshield crack caused the fire, but glass cannot ignite or cause an electrical fire. This is a serious safety hazard because the fire originated where electrical components and sensors are located. The incident occurred without any collision or external impact. The vehicle is still under lease, and Volkswagen refuses to investigate further. I am reporting this in case this defect affects more vehicles and poses a risk to other owners.
23 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD (82 kWh LG battery, <25k miles). Vehicle has permanently lost ~25% of usable battery capacity in less than 2 years. At 80% state-of-charge the Guess-O-Meter consistently shows only 200–205 miles (full-range estimate 250–255 miles instead of EPA 275 / real-world 280–300 miles in similar conditions). Multiple dealer-recommended BMS recalibrations (discharge below 10%, sit overnight, slow-charge to 100%) have failed to restore range. Persistent charging faults: B17E0F0 (charge connector lock), P1BF100 (no AC voltage detected), P1CAF00 (zero current time exceeded). Dealer has repeatedly claimed the condition is normal and refused full HV battery capacity diagnostic. Defect has been reproduced on multiple occasions and documented with screenshots and DTCs. This creates a safety risk due to severely inaccurate range prediction and potential for stranding. Request NHTSA investigate premature high-voltage battery degradation and charging system defects in 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 models equipped with LG batteries.
This event occurred on the night of Saturday, October 25. The entire software system crashed while driving on the highway in downtown chicago. This blacked out both the HMI screens (the driver "cockpit" and the media / vehicle management screen). This rendered the speedometer, battery charge indicator, cruise control indicator, media center, and advanced sensors unusable. I still able to accel/decel, use turn signals, and steer the car as normal but I could not tell how fast I was going nor how much remaining charge there was. After 1-2 minutes, the system fully rebooted and worked fine the rest of the trip. This was the first blackout we'd experienced--and it was the first time the cockpit (speedometer and such) was affected. However, the media center HMI regularly locks up and glitches: loading menus not linked to the certain buttons, lockups when multiple devices are connected, inability to reach VW servers,...) Software is on the most recent version available for my vehicle trim, though versions with many issues fixed have since been released. (We are stuck on ID software version 3.5 despite the most recent version being around 3.8.)
Showing 1–20 of 50 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026