Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system180
- Unknown or other59
- Forward collision avoidance40
- Structure36
- Vehicle speed control35
- Service brakes34
- Fuel/propulsion system24
- Power train23
- Back over prevention18
- Steering17
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 24 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 3 2021 ID.4 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 2 people died inside them. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 failed the safety check 1.21% of the time — 28% more often than the average 2021 passenger car (0.95%). Median odometer at inspection: 21,717 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2021
48,896 new Volkswagen ID.4 cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2021; the largest markets were Germany (12,625), Norway (8,645), Sweden (7,178).
- Average mass
- 2,121 kg
- Average CO₂
- 0 g/km (WLTP)
- Average power
- 118 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Electric 100%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
In the Netherlands
4,932 first registered in 2021 are on Dutch roads; 18% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €49,681.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde1,649
- Band onvoldoende profiel520
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld493
- Slijtage/beschadiging wiellager hoorbaar of voelbaar325
- Band beschadigd252
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm232
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht171
- Bandenspanning op 1 as niet gelijk24
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
4,166 cars built in 2021 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 46 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 1,116 of these cars first registered in 2021 took their annual MOT test. 95% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2021 the figure was 91%.
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
2,777 of these cars first registered in 2021 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 87,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
11 2021 cars are on the New Zealand register; 100% arrived as used imports, 0% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 2 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 10.9 % |
| 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | 10.3 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Standard
- Lane departure warning
- Standard
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Recalls in Canada
8 Transport Canada recalls for the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4.
| 2025099 26 Feb 2025 | Lights And Instruments Issue: Under certain circumstances, a software problem could cause the ''N'' (Neutral) gear position not to display on the instrument cluster. As a result, yo… |
| 2024502 4 Sept 2024 | Structure Issue: On certain vehicles, water could leak into the door handle(s). If this happens, the door(s) could open unexpectedly while driving. Note: This problem… |
| 2024485 29 May 2024 | Airbag Issue: On certain vehicles, the owner's manual incorrectly describes the function of the passenger airbag indicator light. Safety Risk: This error does … |
| 2024275 15 May 2024 | Visual System Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the instrument cluster and center display to reset or not to work. As a result, you may not be able… |
| 2023263 3 May 2023 | Structure Issue: On certain vehicles, water could leak into the door handle(s). If this happens, the door(s) could open unexpectedly while driving at speeds below 15 km… |
| 2023034 1 Feb 2023 | High Voltage Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the high-voltage battery management control module to reset or the pulse inverter to deactivate. If … |
| 2022631 2 Nov 2022 | Airbag Issue: On certain vehicles, the passenger-front airbag may not have been folded properly. As a result, the airbag may not inflate properly in a crash. Saf… |
| 2022123 16 Mar 2022 | High Voltage Issue: On a small number of vehicles, a problem with the high-voltage battery may cause the electric motor to shut down. If this happens, there would be a los… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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 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. (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 2021-2022 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 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 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 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 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 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."
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Volkswagen told its dealers about the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11011376 | Customer states rattle from below the vehicle; Customer states coolant leak/coolant light on; Customer states MIL-on, P0442 stored in ECM memory; Customer states key FOB lock/unlock functions do not work via button press (not KESSY); Customer states the seat cover has discoloration (usually yellowing) stains; Customer states MIL-on, U01B000 stored in ECM memory; Customer states seat belt won't retract; Customer states Electrical System Error Message, U04A1 [42304], U04A5 [42336], and/or U04A9 [42444] stored in DA:008C; Customer states vehicle does not start; key not detected. No communication |
| 11011375 | moisture witin rear tail lamp assembly |
| 11011374 | HVAC duct cleaning and deodorizing |
| 11010027 | Customer states rattle from below the vehicle; Customer states coolant leak/coolant light on; Customer states MIL-on, P0442 stored in ECM memory; Customer states key FOB lock/unlock functions do not work via button press (not KESSY); Customer states seat belt won't retract; Customer states windshield has a visual imperfection, Customer states Electrical System Error Message, U04A1 [42304], U04A5 [42336], and/or U04A9 [42444] stored in DA:008C; Customer states vehicle does not start; key not detected. No communication to J519 active. AW 19: U014000[2170894][2240526], B1248F3[1074443], U17B900[8 |
| 11010026 | Customer states rattle from below the vehicle; Customer states MIL-on, P0442 stored in ECM memory; Customer states key FOB lock/unlock functions do not work via button press (not KESSY); Customer states seat belt won't retract; Customer states windshield has a visual imperfection, Customer states Electrical System Error Message, U04A1 [42304], U04A5 [42336], and/or U04A9 [42444] stored in DA:008C; Customer states vehicle does not start; key not detected. No communication to J519 active. AW 19: U014000[2170894][2240526], B1248F3[1074443], U17B900[8398624] active DTCs;Customer states MIL-on, U01 |
| 11010021 | Additional reporting |
| 11010018 | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided. |
| 11010016 | OUJ9 - Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Update (SW Level 3.2.13) Dealer Recovery Process - OTA Software Update Not Successful - Updated circular to include Canadian market. Updated work instructions. Updated warranty section. |
| 11010011 | Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available |
| 11010010 | OUJ9 - Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Update (SW Level 3.2.13) Dealer Recovery Process - OTA Software Update Not Successful - Updated circular to include Canadian market. Updated work instructions. Updated warranty section. |
| 11008867 | Customer states rattle from below the vehicle; Customer states MIL-on, P0442 stored in ECM memory; Customer states key FOB lock/unlock functions do not work via button press (not KESSY); Customer states seat belt won't retract; Customer states windshield has a visual imperfection, Customer states Electrical System Error Message, U04A1 [42304], U04A5 [42336], and/or U04A9 [42444] stored in DA:008C; Customer states vehicle does not start; key not detected. No communication to J519 active. AW 19: U014000[2170894][2240526], B1248F3[1074443], U17B900[8398624] active DTCs; Customer states Automatic |
| 11008866 | Inspecting sensors for damage |
| 11008865 | Battery Health, Remaining Capacity |
| 11008862 | rattling or knocking noise over bumps or rough roads. |
| 11008854 | The software of individual control units in ID family vehicles (MEB platform) is generally updated within an ID. Software (ID.S) compound update. Thereafter, parts having original pre-update software are no longer compatible. Post-update service part numbers having the updated software are visible through a VIN-specific lookup in the parts catalog (EKTA) after an ID.S compound update has been successfully completed, on the basis of the last recorded construction status of the vehicle (record of installed control units and versions). |
| 11008853 | How to manage software versions using VW diagnostic Tool |
| 11008846 | Wind & Water Leak Checking |
| 11008841 | The affected vehicles may have been built with door handles that do not meet the factory specifications for protection against water ingress. Water ingress into the printed circuit board can lead to malfunctions causing an open command to the door lock. An open door on a moving vehicle puts occupants at risk of injury and can cause damage to objects and people who may be outside of the vehicle. |
| 11008840 | ID.4 Stop Sale Update and Dealer Support Measures |
| 11007400 | Customer states rattle from below the vehicle; Customer states MIL-on, P0442 stored in ECM memory; Customer states key FOB lock/unlock functions do not work via button press (not KESSY); Customer states seat belt won't retract; Customer states windshield has a visual imperfection, Customer states Electrical System Error Message, U04A1 [42304], U04A5 [42336], and/or U04A9 [42444] stored in DA:008C; Customer states vehicle does not start; key not detected. No communication to J519 active. AW 19: U014000[2170894][2240526], B1248F3[1074443], U17B900[8398624] active DTCs; Customer states Automatic |
| 11007399 | Customer states rattle from below the vehicle; Customer states MIL-on, P0442 stored in ECM memory; Customer states key FOB lock/unlock functions do not work via button press (not KESSY); Customer states seat belt won't retract; Customer states door fitment between panels not correct; Customer states windshield has a visual imperfection, Customer states Electrical System Error Message, U04A1 [42304], U04A5 [42336], and/or U04A9 [42444] stored in DA:008C; Customer states vehicle does not start; key not detected. No communication to J519 active. AW 19: U014000[2170894][2240526], B1248F3[1074443], |
| 11007398 | Battery testing |
| 11007397 | Build status documentation step to include during a justified cell module repair. |
| 11007385 | OUH1 - Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Update (SW Level 3.2.12) Updated: Canada market added |
| 11005835 | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication for DA 0023 Brake Booster replacement test / basic setting Pressure test failure E8 -ID.4 2021 |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Inadvertent Door Opening
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation