Volkswagen ID.4: known problems

The Volkswagen ID.4 is one of the most popular electric cars of the moment but, despite its strengths in terms of space and comfort, it is plagued by persistent software issues and other teething troubles. This combination of a solid foundation and frustrating shortcomings makes an objective look at its reliability necessary. Read on to understand the most common problems of the ID.4 and to find out what you, as an owner or buyer, can realistically expect.

Why talk about problems? Transparency for the ID.4 owner

Buying a new car is a major investment. That is exactly why it is important to look beyond the shiny exterior and also pay attention to the potential downsides. Being open about problems helps future owners make a well-informed decision and enables current owners to recognise symptoms correctly. Although no car is perfect, it is useful to know which car problems with Volkswagen apply specifically to this model. This knowledge prepares you better and helps you decide when a visit to the dealer is necessary.

The ID.4 in daily use: general experiences and complaints

In general, ID.4 drivers are positive about the core qualities of the car. The comfortable driving behaviour, quiet drivetrain and generous interior space are often mentioned as strong points. The car feels sturdy and offers a pleasant experience for everyday use and longer journeys. Still, there is a common thread of complaints that overshadows the user experience. The criticism is almost unanimously focused on the slow and unreliable software, which leads to daily irritation when operating basic functions.

Software troubles: challenges with the infotainment system and connectivity

The infotainment system, the central nervous system of the ID.4, is without doubt the biggest source of frustration. Since its introduction, the system has been plagued by faults. Users report that the screen regularly freezes, responds slowly to touches, or even switches off completely while driving. Connectivity with smartphones via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is also unstable. Connections are terminated without any clear reason, making navigation and music streaming unreliable. The associated We Connect ID. app also performs poorly, with delayed communication and incorrect status updates, for example regarding the charging status.

Electric components and drivetrain: specific ID.4 concerns

Although the electric drivetrain itself is generally reliable, there are specific components that require attention. A known issue in the early production years is the 12-volt battery. This small battery, which powers the on-board electronics, unexpectedly runs flat. This can even happen when the main high-voltage battery pack is fully charged, leaving you with a car that will not start. In addition, some owners report problems with the charging process. Charging sessions are sometimes cut off unexpectedly or do not start at all, both at public charge points and at home chargers. This often appears to be software-related, but can sometimes also point to a fault in the car’s charging module.

Suspension and finish: common mechanical and build-quality issues

The overall build quality of the ID.4 is good, but there are reports of rattles and creaks in the interior. Noises occur particularly around the dashboard and door panels. The suspension is tuned for comfort, but some drivers find the damping too soft, which leads to a bobbing feel on uneven roads. Another point of attention is the rear brakes. Volkswagen has chosen drum brakes on the rear axle of the ID.4. Although this is in theory low-maintenance, at low speeds they sometimes make a dragging or creaking noise, which many drivers find annoying.

Safety systems and sensors: possible faults and solutions

Modern cars are packed with active safety systems (ADAS), and the ID.4 is no exception. Unfortunately, these systems are not free from faults either. There are many complaints about ‘Travel Assist’ and ‘Lane Assist’, which sometimes intervene unnecessarily or suddenly switch off with an error message. The parking sensors can also be oversensitive or detect ‘phantom objects’, causing unnecessary warning beeps. Sometimes a simple clean of the sensors and cameras helps, but the underlying cause is often deeper in the software or a defective sensor.

Common fixes and updates: what can you do yourself?

For many of the software-related problems, patience is the best remedy, as Volkswagen is constantly releasing updates. You can temporarily fix many small irritations yourself with a ‘soft reset’ of the infotainment system. You do this by pressing and holding the system’s on/off button for about 10–15 seconds until the screen restarts. In addition, make sure your car always has the latest software version. Volkswagen rolls these out ‘over the air’ (OTA), which means that the car downloads them itself. It is important to install these updates as soon as they are available, as they often contain solutions for known problems.

Warranty and dealer visits: when should you call in professional help?

If software updates and resets do not provide a solution, a visit to the dealer is unavoidable. Persistent issues, such as a 12-volt battery that repeatedly runs flat, ongoing charging problems or faults in safety systems, fall under the manufacturer’s warranty. Volkswagen provides an extensive warranty on the battery pack, usually 8 years or 160,000 kilometres. The rest of the car is covered by the standard manufacturer’s warranty. Document your complaints carefully, including photos or videos of the error messages. This helps the technicians to make the correct diagnosis.

Preventive maintenance for the ID.4: prevention is better than cure

An electric car requires significantly less maintenance than a petrol or diesel car, but it is not maintenance-free. To prevent problems, it is sensible to check a few things regularly.

• Tyres: Due to the high weight and the instant torque of the electric motor, the tyres wear faster. Check tyre pressures monthly and rotate or replace the tyres in good time.
• Brake fluid: As with any other car, the brake fluid needs to be replaced at regular intervals.
• Cabin filter: Replace the cabin (pollen) filter according to the service schedule to maintain good air quality in the cabin.
• 12-volt battery: If you mainly make short trips, consider topping up the 12-volt battery now and then with a trickle charger to prevent problems.

The future of the ID.4: expectations and software improvements

Volkswagen has taken the ongoing criticism of the software to heart. Newer versions of the ID.4 are supplied with improved hardware and a significantly faster and more stable operating system. For older models, updates are still being developed to improve performance. The expectation is that Volkswagen will gradually resolve the main pain points with the introduction of new software generations. This shows that the brand is learning from feedback and working towards a better user experience for the future.

The Volkswagen ID.4: still a strong choice despite its issues?

For those willing to invest in an electric car with growth potential, the ID.4 offers a great deal of value for money. It is a vehicle that matures alongside its users, with software updates continually refining the experience. The combination of practical space, decent range and the growing network of charging points makes this SUV well suited to modern family life. It does, however, demand realistic expectations: anyone looking for absolute perfection will not find it anywhere in this still young segment. But those who embrace the electric transition and value brand experience will find in the ID.4 a reliable travel companion that keeps getting better.