Volkswagen ID.4 Recall Update 2024: Have Your Doors Opened While Driving?

Updated on September 28th, 2024

Volkswagen is currently recalling over 98,000 vehicles due to a defect that may cause the doors to malfunction and potentially open while driving.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made this recall public on September 4, 2024, affecting 98,806 units of the 2021-2024 Volkswagen ID.4.

The problem arises from door handles that might not meet factory standards for water resistance, leading to potential operational issues.

This design flaw presents a significant safety concern, as certain conditions can unexpectedly trigger an unintended “open command” to the door locks, even while the vehicle is in motion.

Specifically, during maneuvers at speeds below 9 mph (15 km/h), external forces acting on the door handles can cause the doors to open without driver input.

This poses a potential hazard to the occupants, increasing the risk of accidents or injuries. Earlier this year in June Volkswagen issued another recall affecting around 18,000 units of the Volkswagen ID.4.

Affected Vehicle	Average Lemon Law Settlement
ID.4	$89,449

*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on results from previous cases and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.

VW ID4 Recall Overview

As of September 2024, Volkswagen has issued two recalls for its ID.4 electric vehicle, affecting nearly 100,000 units.

The latest recall, which addresses a door handle issue has led to a stop-sale order and a halt in production for the ID.4. VW says its aware of 135 warranty claims pertaining to the door handle issue.

The German automaker previously issued a VW stop sale order affecting approximately 18,000 VW ID.4 EV vehicles in the earlier recall.

Have there been previous VW ID4 recalls?

Volkswagen’s recent recall announcement is part of an ongoing series of recalls involving the VW ID.4 model.

Earlier this year, the German automaker recalled approximately 18,000 ID.4 EVs manufactured in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The latest recall, announced in September 2024, affects nearly 100,000 ID.4 vehicles due to a door handle defect that can cause the doors to open unexpectedly while driving.

What is the problem with the Id4 car door?

The problem with the Volkswagen ID.4 car door stems from a defect in the door handles.

These handles do not meet the required waterproofing standards, allowing moisture to enter the door controller’s circuit board. This can cause the doors to unlatch unexpectedly, even while the vehicle is in motion.

At speeds below 9 mph, the electronic door handles in these vehicles are susceptible to water infiltration.

This can potentially lead to unintended door openings when the vehicle experiences significant lateral forces.

This vulnerability arises from the potential for water to enter the circuit board, impacting the door handle’s functionality and resulting in unexpected door openings.

In 2022, Volkswagen received reports of two incidents in the United States where ID.4 doors suddenly opened.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that one of the vehicles had a damaged wiring harness, allowing water to enter the circuit board.

However, engineers found no similar issues with the other vehicle. Subsequently, additional reports emerged indicating water infiltration into the circuit boards.

Despite thorough examinations, engineers were unable to determine the root cause of the problem as of March 2023.

Nevertheless, after conducting various tests, the supplier was able to identify how the doors were unintentionally opening.

Volkswagen is aware of a total of 28 ID.4 doors that inadvertently opened between June 2021 and April 2023.

After conducting various tests, the supplier was able to identify how the doors were unintentionally opening.

Volkswagen is aware of a total of 28 ID.4 doors that inadvertently opened between June 2021 and April 2023; along with 135 warranty claims pertaining to door handle issues.

Which vehicles include the problematic ID.4 doors?

The problematic doors affect nearly 100,000 Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles from the 2021 to 2024 model years. This includes units sold in both the United States and Canada, according to the NHTSA’s official recall notice.

The previous ID.4 recall specifically pertains to Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles manufactured in Zwickau, Germany, during the period between December 15, 2020, and December 12, 2022.

This information is based on the recall notice issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which serves as a reliable source for official recall information.

Vehicles manufactured at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee plant are not affected by the specific issue addressed in this recall.

What should I do if I am experiencing structural issues in my Volkswagen vehicle?

If you’re experiencing structural issues with your Volkswagen vehicle, here are the steps you should take:

1. Contact Your Dealer: Reach out to your local Volkswagen dealership or service center. They can provide a thorough inspection and determine if the issue is covered under warranty or a recall.
2. Check for Recalls: Verify if your vehicle is part of any recalls. You can do this by visiting the Volkswagen Recall Information page and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
3. Use OEM Parts: If repairs are needed, ensure that only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are used. Volkswagen recommends using OEM parts for structural repairs to maintain the vehicle’s safety and integrity.
4. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communications, inspections, and repairs. This documentation can be crucial if you need to escalate the issue or pursue a lemon law claim.
5. Seek Legal Advice: If the structural issues persist and are not resolved satisfactorily, consider consulting with a lemon law attorney to explore your options.

Taking these steps can help ensure your vehicle is repaired correctly and safely.

Contact the Volkswagen Lemon Law Experts

Filing a lemon law claim can be a worthwhile step if you are dealing with ongoing problems.

By submitting a claim, you may be eligible for remedies such as a vehicle replacement, a refund, or a cash settlement, depending on your case’s specifics.

Lemon law claims can address a wide range of defects that significantly impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

At the Lemon Law Experts, one of California’s leading lemon law firms, we have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in lemon law cases since 2009.

Our team of skilled attorneys is dedicated to helping our clients get the best results possible.

If you live in California and believe you have a lemon law claim, we are here to assist you. Our firm offers a free consultation to evaluate your case and provide guidance on the best course of action.

With our expertise and commitment, we strive to achieve a favorable resolution for our clients under the lemon law. Contact us for a free, no-obligation review of your case today.