2021 VOLKSWAGEN ID.4

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

11RecallsNHTSA Verified100ComplaintsNHTSA Data3InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 presents a concerning reliability profile marked by multiple recalls and complaints. The high incidence of issues related to seat belts, electrical systems, and structure underscores potential safety risks, particularly in child restraint scenarios.

Key Factor:Multiple significant recalls

📋Why This Matters

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 has recorded a total of 11 recalls alongside 100 complaints, highlighting significant reliability concerns for this electric vehicle model. Notably, the issues primarily affect critical safety components such as seat belts and electrical systems, which could impact passenger safety and the vehicle's overall performance. Given that these components are vital for safe operation, the magnitude and nature of these flaws are alarming for both current owners and prospective buyers who may rely on the ID.4 for family transport.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

Considering the number of recalls and complaints relative to its model year, the reliability of the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 appears worse than expected for a new vehicle. This trend raises questions about quality control and engineering during its production phase, especially given that manufacturers are typically held to high standards in their debut models for electric vehicles.

Critical Component: Warning

Safety & Reliability Score

0/100
Poor

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-88
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-15

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN ID.4

Model Year2021
MakeVOLKSWAGEN
ModelID.4
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb21
RECALLRecall Issued
Mar21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr21
RECALLRecall Issued
May21
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb22
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Mar23
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr24
RECALLRecall Issued
May24
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

24 complaints (24% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
✅

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 100 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
4(4%)
🟡Medium
34(34%)
🟢Low
62(62%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

The identified peak failure range between 40k-60k miles suggests that issues often arise once vehicles transition from initial performance phases to regular use scenarios. Current owners should be particularly vigilant as they approach this mileage threshold to identify any emerging problems early on.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 15 of 100 complaints (15% coverage)
0-20k
4 reports (27%)
20k-40k
2 reports (13%)
40k-60k
5 reports (33%)
60k-80k
3 reports (20%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
1 reports (7%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

STEERINGSEAT BELTSEXTERIOR LIGHTINGELECTRICAL SYSTEMAIR BAGSSTRUCTUREBACK OVER PREVENTIONPOWER TRAIN

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Seat Belts

Issue: Incorrect assembly may prevent proper securing of child restraint systems.

✅

Verify that seat belt assemblies comply with safety standards by consulting with a dealer.

🔍

Check service history specifically regarding any recalls performed on seat belt assemblies.

2

Electrical System

Issue: Potential electrical faults could impact performance and safety features.

✅

Schedule an inspection focusing on electrical system diagnostics at your local service center.

🔍

'Research any prior electrical system failures reported by other owners before purchasing.

💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your VOLKSWAGEN dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (11)

Campaign: 21V852000

STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)

Summary

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.

Consequence

An incorrectly assembled or missing drive bushing may cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

A dealer will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 48Q7.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 21V607000

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

Summary

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."

Consequence

An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the rear outboard seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69CQ.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 21V606000

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

Summary

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."

Consequence

An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 21V413000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Summary

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."

Consequence

Adjusting the horizontal headlight beam can increase glare, reducing visibility for the driver and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will remove the caps from the vertical aim and install them on the horizontal aim, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 9406.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 22V162000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Summary

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.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the battery cell modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 9302.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 22V858000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Summary

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."

Consequence

An incorrectly folded air bag may not protect the occupant as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Volkswagen will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 14, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number to this recall is 69EH.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 23V040000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM):SOFTWARE

Summary

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.

Remedy

Dealers will update the HV battery management control unit and the pulse inverter control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 31, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97ZZ.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 23V312000

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:EXTERIOR

Summary

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.

Consequence

A vehicle door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will update the vehicle software, and inspect the door handles as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 19, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall are 57J5 and 57J8. This recall was replaced by recall number 24V-651

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 24V344000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Summary

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."

Consequence

Displays that do not show critical information, such as vehicle speed or the rearview camera image, increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 20, 2024. Owners may contact VW customer service at 1-800-893-5298. VW's number for this recall is 919A.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 24V651000

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:EXTERIOR

Summary

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.

Consequence

A vehicle door that opens unexpectedly while driving increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Volkswagen dealers will inspect and replace the door handles as necessary, and update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 27, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 57J9. This recall expands previous recall numbers 23V-312 and 23V-213. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-312 and 23V-213 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 25V120000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Summary

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."

Consequence

Failure to display the gear position may result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the brake control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 14, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97H3. Audi's number for this recall is 454R.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

3 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 ID.4.

INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding ID.4 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 35,416
INV-2021-1001🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding ID.4 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 28,949
INV-2021-1002🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding ID.4 performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 46,670

Consumer Complaints

100 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 ID.4.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning24%
Display19%
Acceleration Issues16%
Accident14%
Battery10%
Crash/Accident8%
Stall5%
Blank5%
Brakes🔶 Medium
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owned a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and there was a loud revving noise coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle then independently accelerated at full speed. The contact stated that her husband depressed the brake pedal several times, but the vehicle did not slow down, and the steering wheel locked, preventing the driver from steering the vehicle to safety. The vehicle then crashed into the back of another vehicle that was either stopped or was moving extremely slow. The contact’s husband sustained back, and neck injuries but had not sought medical intention. The insurance company informed the contact the that the other driver had since sought medical attention. A Police report was filed but was not available. The other vehicle was driven from the scene; however, the contact’s vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

Dec 12, 2025Open
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Backup camera has failed and shows an error. This has created a safety risk when backing up.

Nov 30, 2025Open
Other🔵 Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The vehicle randomly gives warnings that road signs are unavailable. This is very distracting while driving. The vehicle software has no option to disable this.

Nov 26, 2025Open
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 frequently disconnects from the network while driving. When this happens, multiple vehicle systems stop working as intended. The built-in GPS begins to drift or shows incorrect vehicle position, making navigation unreliable and unsafe. Other connected features (such as driver attention and traffic signs alerts) also fail or freeze. This issue occurs repeatedly, often without warning, and does not resolve itself even if the vehicle is restarted. I am concerned this is a software or hardware defect that could affect driver safety. I have contacted VW but they have not offered a solution.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #22V162000Recall #23V040000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Nov 17, 2025Open
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The main console display (e.g. Speedometer, Cruise Control, Dashboard) is displaying an error message: "Warnings and Information not available. Drive with Greater Care". I have tried to reset the system without success.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #22V162000Recall #23V040000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Nov 15, 2025Open
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 completely refusing service now.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #22V162000Recall #23V040000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Nov 10, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Electrical system not working correctly. Powertrain maintenance needed. Vehicle randomly had a light come on the dash, and included the message about electrical systems. Vehicle lost power, when I tried to accelerate, it was accelerating extremely slow and finally was able to get to posted speed limit of 35 in 0.5 miles. Never had a light come on until now. Recently had the 10,000 mile safety check completed by the dealer.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #25V120000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Nov 5, 2025Open
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The infotainment screen repeatedly resets/goes black, causing the backup camera to not be displayed. Also, less frequently, the instrument cluster reboots resulting in a lack of speedometer. This was supposedly fixed in an update during a prior recall but it is still happening.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #22V162000Recall #23V040000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Oct 17, 2025Open
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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, and the infotainment 5F unit is $1,631.93 to replace. This is a safety hazard because not being able to see my speed or turn on/off my defroster in the morning (because the screen is black and cuts out) and should be covered under a recall, as this appears to be an issue across all i.d.4 2021 models.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #22V162000Recall #23V040000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Oct 8, 2025Under Review
Brakes🔶 Medium
SERVICE BRAKES

My car is stopped and still due to heavy traffic . All of a sudden, while stopping, it starts moving and rolling away by itself. I try to stop it using the break pedal but it doesn’t stop.

Sep 15, 2025Under Review

Frequently Asked Questions

'What are the most common issues reported with the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4?'

'Common issues reported include problems with seat belts failing to secure properly, which poses a direct risk during accidents, as well as various electrical system faults that can affect vehicle functionality.'

'How does the recall history impact my decision to buy a used Volkswagen ID.4?'

'Given its substantial recall history, it's crucial to review whether all necessary repairs have been completed before making a purchase decision. Prospective buyers should prioritize checking service records related to recalls focused on critical safety components.'

🧭What This Means for You

Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified VOLKSWAGEN service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in VOLKSWAGEN's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every VOLKSWAGEN recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later ID.4 iterations (2022+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a VOLKSWAGEN specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.
⚖️

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.