ID.4 (1st)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
Volkswagen ID.4 Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Battery Electric (BEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2021-2025 Volkswagen ID.4
That's about 3.5x the typical rate for BEVs in this dataset (median 5.5 per year). Above peer average — but high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints, so check the issue mix below before drawing conclusions.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 110 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Charge port, cable, mobile connector, or session failures.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.
Battery & propulsion recalls (7)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 ID4 vehicles. Incorrect soldering of the flexible printed circuit assembled (FPCA), inside the high voltage (HV) battery, may cause an unreliable connection.
Consequence: An unreliable battery connection may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 ID.4 vehicles. Software programing may cause the high voltage (HV) battery management control module to restart or the pulse inverter to deactivate.
Consequence: A reset or deactivation may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 ID4 vehicles. The electric motor sealing ring was improperly assembled, which may allow coolant to leak into the high-voltage system and interfere with the CAN communication and power supply.
Consequence: Coolant that leaks into the high-voltage system may impact safety-critical systems and warning lights, causing a loss of vehicle control or unintended air bag deployment, and increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 ID4 rear-wheel drive vehicles. The 12-Volt battery charging cable may contact the steering column shaft and cause the cable insulation to wear, possibly resulting in a short circuit.
Consequence: A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. A short circuit also increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. The high voltage (HV) battery cell modules may contain misaligned electrodes that can result in a battery fire.
Consequence: A vehicle fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. The high voltage (HV) battery cell modules may contain misaligned electrodes that can result in a battery fire.
Consequence: A vehicle fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2025 ID.4 vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.
Consequence: A high-voltage battery that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Sample complaint excerpts
High-Voltage Battery
- [2021] I have open recalls on my vehicle, and Volkswagen is refusing to fix them. This includes the door handles and the battery. The battery recall has been open for a while, and NO dealership is fixing it for me. Additionally, the local dealership refused service and tried charging me to fix the recall, which is supposed to be free. The "date this incident occured" below is today, because they are com
- [2021] Battery cell issue not resolved due to charger recall. Vehicle now unable to drive. Door handle recall still outstanding and predicted completion unknown due to parts issue. This in it self is dangerous as doors can open randomly while driving.
- [2021] 1. Electronic brake system failure - the vehicle exhibited this issue and so far it appears Volkswagen does not have a resolution. Vehicle has been at the dealership for almost 2 months and they have not been able to fix. Several other reports show that this is a consistent issue with the ID4 (probably the first edition). Fixed are often temporary and the issues resurfaces again 2. Battery Modul
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2021] The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle shut off while driving to the residence from the dealer. The vehicle was restarted and operated normally. Prior to the failure, several software updates were performed under recall. The contact was referred to an out-of-state dealer to perform the software updates. No further informatio
- [2021] I have been experiencing intermittent, now permanent, infotainment malfunctioning. At first, it would cut in and out, even while driving. The entire screen AND my speedometer would cut out. My car is a 2021 i.d.4 and JUST fell out of warranty, which means the repairs are not covered. The VW dealership told me the 12v battery has failed AND the 5F unit has also failed. The 12v is $713.25 to replace
- [2021] 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 sa
Charging System
- [2021] After charging with my home charger, the electrical system has been one unusable or shown electrical error codes. In March 2025, the engine battery cells had a significant failure that required towing to the service center as it was completely unable to drive. This repair took 5 weeks to complete. The car had regular service and inspection 7/19/25 and issues with the navigation system and the char
- [2021] The actuator that locks the charge port door failed in the closed position so the car could not be charged. I took the car to the dealer and the broke the covering off the charge port door so the car could be charged. The actuator and to door need to be replaced.
- [2022] At 43k miles, 90F outside temps, battery SOC at 20%, charged the car at a fast charger getting 140kw. Daytime Running Lights, DRL, were on. After the charging session was over at 80%, the driver's side DRL went and stayed dim. Dealership replaced the entire headlight under warranty. At 77k miles, 94F outside temps, battery SOC at 20%, using a fast charger and getting 145kw with DRL left on. A
Electric Propulsion
- [2021] VW issued a recall stating the following: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 ID.4 vehicles. Software programing may cause the high voltage (HV) battery management control module to restart or the pulse inverter to deactivate. Recall consequence: A reset or deactivation may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall action: Dealers w
- [2021] I have received several recall notices over the past 12 months, including urgent email, texts and letters, notices directly from VW, warning me the urgency of the recall,. I have been attempting to schedule an appointment with the dealer where I purchased the vehicle from in Santa Rosa, CA. The dealer has been uncooperative, and not able to provide an appointment date. I called the San Francisco
- [2021] On Monday, December 19, 2022, at approximately 1:30 p.m., driving at 70 miles per hour, my Volkswagen W ID.4 car suddenly lost electric power and I was unable to accelerate. I was driving on Highway 680 South, near the Livorna exit, on the Livorna Zone Express Lanes when this occurred in Contra Costa County, California. The car's user interface panel flashed the message, "Electrical system not wor
Thermal Events
- [2021] On March 26, 2024 the VW Id.4 caught fire while being driven on freeway. The driver was able to pull over and escape from the vehicle as it burned but sustained burns to his left arm, hand and face. The vehicle was engulfed in flames and destroyed. An inspection of the vehicle and battery modules in October of 2024 by VW experts and experts for the driver determined that the fire started in one
- [2021] The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, there was an abnormal odor of smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was determined that the smoke and burning odor were coming from the rear passenger’s side wheel well. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who stated that the rear passenger’s side drum brake was faulty. The cause
- [2022] On [XXX], my 2022 Volkswagen I.D. 4 burst into flames and exploded while it was parked in my apartment complex parking structure ([XXX] ). My car was completely engulfed in flames, nearby cars as well as the parking structure experienced heat damage. My life and others were put in danger because even though my car was electric, it was parked in a resident garage near other cars who are gas operate
Regenerative Braking
- [2021] While driving my foot will regularly get lodged/wedged below a piece of plastic trim adjacent to the accelerator. This delays or sometimes prevents me from easily letting up on the accelerator. While it can be dislodged with a little effort it requires me to completely reorient my foot. This is especially noticeable during "one pedal driving" where your foot does not need to be moved to the brake
- [2021] Pulling into a parking space, using reiterative braking (B Mode). When applying brakes, car bolted and could not be controlled. It jumped a curb and drove straight toward a building. Brakes would not respond. Steering would not respond. I managed to steer the car avoiding the building but taking down a bench and ripping up the turf in front of the building. Car made a complete u-turn before co
- [2022] On 5/13/2023, I drove using adaptive cruise control (ACC). I traveled approximately 9 miles without issues and turned left into a parking lot. Upon turning, the break was engaged and which canceled the cruise control. I do not recall the exact speed it was set but it was over 50mph. I drive my VW ID.4 in B mode which is brake energy recuperation mode and brakes the car as soon as the foot is l
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Battery: VW MEB 82 kWh
Pack overview
Known issues
How this pack ages (industry context)
Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).
OEM warranty floor on this pack: 8 yr / 100k mi to 70% capacity.
Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.
Battery: VW MEB 82 kWh
Pack overview
Known issues
How this pack ages (industry context)
Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).
OEM warranty floor on this pack: 8 yr / 100k mi to 70% capacity.
Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Volkswagen ID.4 regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (24)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. The high voltage (HV) battery cell modules may contain misaligned electrodes that can result in a battery fire.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2025 ID.4 vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. Certain bolts on the chassis, brake system and/or suspension (such as bolts for certain cross member, engine mount, control arm, subframe, rear brake carrier, etc.) of affected vehicles may not have been correctly tightened during the manufacturing process.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 AUDI Q4 E-Tron SUV, AUDI Q4 E-Tron Sportback, and 2024 ID.4 vehicles. The on-board charger (OCDC) may fail and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 ID.4, 2022-2023 Audi Q4 e-Tron, and Q4 e-Tron Sportback vehicles. The instrument panel may not properly display the transmission gear lever indicator. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. The high voltage (HV) battery cell modules may contain misaligned electrodes that can result in a battery fire.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 ID4 vehicles. The fasteners securing the passenger frontal air bag inflator may be loose.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 ID.4 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse or when the park function is manually activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 ID.4 vehicles. Due to a software issue, affected vehicles may experience center displays and instrument panel displays that do not boot, or that sporadically reset. This can result in loss of speedometer information or loss of rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 111, "Rear Visibility."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 ID.4 vehicles. The door handles may allow water to enter the circuit board assembly, which can cause the doors to open unexpectedly.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 ID.4 vehicles. The replacement infotainment central control unit (CCU) installed in the vehicle during a repair contains incorrect software that can cause the rearview camera image to be delayed or deactivated when reversing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. The interior sunshade for the panoramic glass roof may be insufficiently fire retardant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 302, "Flammability of Interior Materials."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 ID.4 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with door handles that allow water to enter the circuit board assembly, which can cause the doors to open unexpectedly when the vehicle is subject to high lateral forces at speeds below 9 mph/15 kmh.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 ID.4 vehicles. Software programing may cause the high voltage (HV) battery management control module to restart or the pulse inverter to deactivate.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 ID4 rear-wheel drive vehicles. The 12-Volt battery charging cable may contact the steering column shaft and cause the cable insulation to wear, possibly resulting in a short circuit.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 ID4 vehicles. Incorrect soldering of the flexible printed circuit assembled (FPCA), inside the high voltage (HV) battery, may cause an unreliable connection.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 ID4 vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 ID4 vehicles. The electric motor sealing ring was improperly assembled, which may allow coolant to leak into the high-voltage system and interfere with the CAN communication and power supply.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 ID4 vehicles. The passenger air bag may be incorrectly folded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Golf R A8, Audi S3, RS3 Sedan, Q4 E-Tron SUV, A3 Sedan, and 2022-2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI, and ID4 vehicles. The rearview camera image may be blank or unresponsive when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear or when the park function is manually activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 ID4 vehicles. Incorrect rear outboard seat belt assemblies without an automatic locking retractor (ALR) function may have been installed, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Volkswagen Group of American, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling one 2021 ID.4 vehicle. The steering gear may have an incorrectly assembled or missing drive bushing.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 ID.4 vehicles. Caps were installed on the headlight vertical aim instead of the horizontal aim, allowing for horizontal adjustment of the headlight beam. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2021-2025 Volkswagen ID.4 problems?
The 2021-2025 Volkswagen ID.4 has accumulated 905 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Safety Systems, Body/Trim. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Volkswagen ID.4 engine is most reliable?
The 2021-2025 Volkswagen ID.4 was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Volkswagen ID.4 Unidentified Engine has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2021-2025 Volkswagen ID.4 a good used car?
The 2021-2025 Volkswagen ID.4 can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 905 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021-2025 Volkswagen ID.4 have?
The 2021-2025 Volkswagen ID.4 has 905 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2021-2025 Volkswagen ID.4?
There are 24 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2021-2025 Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Volkswagen ID.4?
Before buying a used Volkswagen ID.4, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Safety Systems, Body/Trim, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the ID.4?
The 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (10.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 905 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-22.