The automatic emergency braking functions of the Volkswagen ID.4 turn out to be unreliable in practice and create dangerous situations. Owners describe the system as horrible, scary and even terrifying. These safety concerns need attention before someone gets hurt. What is going on with this system and can it be switched off at all?
The Volkswagen ID.4 is equipped with various automatic braking systems, but owners’ experiences differ significantly from the promises. The City Emergency Braking system (an automatic emergency braking function that is active up to 30 km/h in urban traffic) regularly falls short. It detects obstacles that are not there, or fails to react when it really should.
Why doesn’t the automatic braking system work reliably?
The problem lies in the detection technology. The ID.4 uses cameras and radar sensors (sensors that measure the distance and speed of objects using radio waves) to detect obstacles. However, these sensors can be disrupted by dirt, rain or bright sunlight. The software does not always interpret images correctly, leading to false alarms or, conversely, no reaction at all.
Owners report various malfunctions. Sometimes the car brakes abruptly for a shadow on the road surface or a plastic bag. In other cases the system remains passive while an actual obstacle is approaching. This unpredictability makes the system dangerous, especially in busy city traffic where following drivers do not expect sudden braking.
The calibration of the sensors (precisely setting up and adjusting the sensors) plays a role. After a windscreen replacement or minor collision, the camera may be out of alignment. Many owners do not know that recalibration (re-adjusting the sensors after repair or replacement) is necessary, causing the system to keep failing. Software versions also differ per production year, with older versions suffering more from incorrect detection.
‘ On forums, owners report switching the system off out of frustration, removing the safety buffer. ’
The Emergency Assist system brings its own problems
Emergency Assist is supposed to intervene if the driver becomes unwell or stops paying attention. The system monitors the steering wheel, accelerator and brakes for activity. If there is no response, warnings follow and the system eventually takes over control.
In practice, this system activates too quickly. In tight bends or with a calm driving style the system thinks you are no longer responding. The seatbelt vibration and braking jolts that follow are abrupt and actually startle drivers, creating new risks. On forums, owners report switching the system off out of frustration, which removes the safety buffer.
In genuine emergencies, the system does work properly. It brings the car to a controlled standstill, activates the hazard lights and sends an SOS call with location to the emergency services. The doors are unlocked and the interior lighting switches on. All this sounds good on paper, but the false alarms undermine confidence in the system.
Is it possible to switch off the automatic braking functions?
You can temporarily switch off City Emergency Braking via the vehicle menu. You have to do this again after every journey, because the system is reactivated by default. The same applies to Emergency Assist: it can be switched off via the IQ.DRIVE menu (Volkswagen’s specific assistance systems menu), but resets at the start of a new journey.
Permanently switching it off is not possible without far-reaching software changes. Volkswagen has deliberately designed it this way to comply with safety requirements. For many owners, having to switch it off every day is a frustrating chore, especially if they drive several times a day.
Some owners opt for a dealer visit to have the sensitivity of the system adjusted. This is not an official option, but some dealers can slightly increase threshold values via diagnostic software (the limit values at which the system intervenes, making it react less quickly). This only partially solves the problem and can also raise new warranty questions.
Alternative electric cars with better systems
If you have doubts about the reliability of the ID.4 safety systems, there are alternatives with more robust technology:
- Tesla Model Y: Uses a combination of cameras and ultrasonic sensors with advanced software that recognises obstacles more accurately. False alarms occur less often.
- Hyundai Ioniq 5: Has a reliable Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system (an automatic emergency braking function that detects and prevents imminent frontal collisions) that scores well in independent tests. There are fewer complaints about unnecessary braking actions.
- Kia EV6: Shares technology with the Ioniq 5 and shows similar performance. The system responds appropriately without excessive interventions.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: Has a well-tuned Pre-Collision Assist system (an automatic emergency braking function that detects and brakes for imminent collisions) that performs consistently in different weather conditions.
These models score higher in Euro NCAP tests for active safety and receive more positive feedback from owners. They do offer automatic emergency braking functions, but with less unpredictable behaviour than the ID.4.
‘ “This gives insight into how it works and prevents surprises in traffic.” ’
What can you do yourself to reduce problems?
Make sure the camera and radar sensors are clean. Dirt, snow or insect remains immediately disrupt detection. Before every journey, check the windscreen and bumper where the sensors are located. In winter this is extra important because of road salt and snow residue.
Have the sensors recalibrated after a windscreen replacement or repair to the front bumper. This costs between 100 and 200 euros at a specialist garage, but prevents many false alarms. Explicitly ask whether the camera and radar have been checked.
Update the software at the dealer. Volkswagen regularly releases updates that improve detection. These updates are not always rolled out automatically via over-the-air updates, so schedule a dealer visit. Ask for the latest software version for the safety systems.
Deliberately test the system in a safe location. Drive in an empty car park and have someone place an obstacle to see how the system reacts. This gives insight into how it works and prevents surprises in traffic. Only do this on completely closed-off premises.
Stay critical of the safety systems
The automatic emergency braking functions of the ID.4 call for a critical attitude. Do not blindly trust the technology and stay alert yourself. If the system regularly gives false alarms or fails to respond, contact the dealer for a diagnosis. Document the situations in which the system fails; this helps during the conversation.
For anyone considering buying an ID.4, test it extensively during a test drive in different conditions. Drive in busy city traffic, on motorways and on winding roads to see how the systems behave. Ask the salesperson about known problems and the latest software updates.
On the Carnews website you will find more information about car problems, comparisons between electric models and practical tips for safe driving. Discover which vehicles best suit your needs and read other owners’ experiences to make a well-informed choice.
Frequently asked questions
In real-world tests, the emergency braking functions and safety systems of the Volkswagen ID.4 generally score well, with fast and predictable intervention from the automatic emergency brake and effective cooperation with support systems such as Lane Assist and Emergency Assist. Compared with some competing electric SUVs (such as certain Korean and American models), the ID.4 reacts slightly less aggressively in last‑moment situations, but more consistently and with fewer jerky braking actions. The lane-keeping and fatigue assistants are regarded as reliable and relatively calm, although some competitors are more advanced when it comes to automatically changing lanes or carrying out evasive manoeuvres. All in all, in terms of safety systems the ID.4 belongs to the better mid-range of the electric SUV market, without being the absolute leader.
The ADAS systems in the ID.4, such as emergency brake assistance, Lane Assist and adaptive cruise control (IQ.DRIVE), influence the active driving experience by partly taking over a lot of steering, braking and following distance, helping the car to drive more stably and safely. They can make the driving experience more comfortable but also more “guided” or less direct, especially on motorways and in heavy traffic. Most assistance systems can be configured in several sensitivity levels via the infotainment screen or buttons on the steering wheel. Various functions, such as Lane Assist or certain warnings, can also be switched off per journey or temporarily deactivated.
The emergency braking function in the ID.4 consists of, among other things, City Emergency Braking and Emergency Assist, which use forward-facing radar and camera sensors in combination with the ABS/ESC system to automatically build up brake pressure on all four wheels. The electric parking brake with emergency function is software-linked to the brake control system: when it is pulled hard (also by a passenger), the ABS provides maximum, stable brake deceleration. The software (part of the IQ.DRIVE system) continuously monitors pedal input, steering movements and lane information to detect inattention and can then brake independently, keep the car in its lane and bring it to a controlled stop. Other safety systems, such as Auto Hold and integration with adaptive cruise control and Lane Assist, use the same sensors and control software to automatically manage pull-away and standstill moments, distance keeping and lane keeping.
Yes, there are known scenarios in which the emergency braking function (particularly City Emergency Braking and related assistants) can intervene unintentionally, for example with stationary objects at the side of the road, sharp bends or narrow passages that are interpreted by the sensors as a threatening obstacle. This has been taken into account in the design by first giving visual and acoustic warnings and a short braking jolt before maximum braking is applied, so that the driver can overrule it. In addition, the algorithms are tuned to typical driving situations (such as city traffic up to approximately 30 km/h) to limit incorrect interventions. Users can temporarily switch off certain assistance systems or adjust their sensitivity if the driving conditions require it.
