Volkswagen Faces Recall Scrutiny Over 51,0000 ID.4 EV Units with Doors That Open

May 21, 2024 01:59 AM EDT

VW VOLKSWAGEN AUTOMOBILE CAR — (Photo : PIXABAY/ renehesse)

The NHTSA reported receiving 12 complains concerning Volkswagen's electric ID.4 SUVs manufactured from 2021 to 2023. They are probing the VW ID.4 following complaints about doors opening during operation. This marks the second concern regarding the ID.4's doors, the initial one leading to a recall due to water leakage.

51,000 Plus ID.4 EV, Doors Open While Driving

The NHTSA has opened an investigation for Volkswagen ID.4. The agency is looking into incidents in which doors have opened while the car is moving. Although there have been no documented injuries or fatalities associated with this issue, customers have expressed concerns about doors opening unexpectedly while they are driving.

As per CarBuzz, the recall pertains to the ID.4 models from 2021 to 2023. Notably, other VW electric vehicles like the ID.7 are not under scrutiny. This marks the second door-related concern for the ID.4, following a prior recall addressing water ingress. Given the repetition of issues within the same vehicle range, part of the NHTSA investigation aims to evaluate the previous corrective action's efficacy.

Towards the close of 2023, a subsequent recall was initiated due to a fire hazard linked surprisingly to the sunshade. The issue stemmed from inadequate flame-retardant properties in the sunshade materials. To address this, fabric flame retardants were implemented on the shades as a corrective measure.

As reported by Autoblog, the U.S. NHTSA announced on Monday the commencement of an investigation involving approximately 51,500 Volkswagen America EVs due to worries about doors opening while in motion. The latest inquiry by the NHTSA aims to evaluate the success of Volkswagen's previous recall actions.

Reason, Remedy for ID.4 Doors That Open

CarScoops unveiled the underlying cause of this issue. While it may seem like a minor concern, the recalls highlighted that a door could unexpectedly open when the vehicle encounters significant lateral forces at speeds below 9 mph / 15 kmh.

The root of the problem lies in a vulnerable circuit board that could sustain damage, leading to unintended door openings. Consumer reports varied, with some mentioning doors opening sporadically during driving. Additionally, individuals reported difficulties with door handles hindering entry or exit from the vehicle.

Initially, the solutions entailed a software update and a thorough examination of each door handle. If any faults were detected, the defective door handle was to be replaced. However, it appears that some issues might have been overlooked, prompting the government to launch an investigation into the efficacy of the initial recall measures.

CarScoops claimed that subsequent course of action remains uncertain, but there might be a necessity for further interventions to prevent unforeseen door openings.

2023 Volkswagen ID.4

CarBuzz reported that Volkswagen is offering substantial leasing discounts on the ID.4 model, with discounts of up to $18,750 available for the top-tier Pro S Plus AWD variant. However, this offer does not extend to the MY2024 ID.4 models. According to a VW dealer advisory seen by CarsDirect, Volkswagen has unveiled a compelling inducement for the 2023 ID.4 electric crossover: sizable lease discounts that result in appealing savings over the vehicle's original retail price.