Volkswagen ID.4 recalled for software and display issues

The first iteration of the Volkswagen ID.4 has been recalled for buggy software that can cause vital driving info to disappear, the NHTSA disclosed Monday.

Specifically, the rearview camera display can vanish from the infotainment screen when in reverse and vital driving info projected in the digital instrument cluster such as the speedometer can go missing. The displays and information may reset sporadically or not boot up at all. 

The recall encompasses 88,004 units of the 2021-2023 Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover, with 8,051 of the recalled vehicle population in Canada and the rest in the U.S.

The popular electric crossover has been beset by software described as laggy at best and glitchy in general. The refreshed 2024 ID.4 addressed some of the consumer (and our) complaints about the digital interfaces, with backlit climate sliders to more easily adjust the cabin temperature and a more intuitive interface on the upgraded 12.9-inch touchscreen standard on models with a larger 82-kwh battery pack. 

The operating system was also improved to be more responsive. 

Even though the 2024 VW ID.4 Pro with the large pack now costs $46,300, including destination, it qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit (depending on your income) and remains one of the most affordable electric crossovers among rivals ranging from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 to the Tesla Model Y. 

Other software bugs had been addressed with earlier software updates, and another software update should remedy the remaining reset bugs for the 2021-2023 models. VW acknowledged 354 warranty claims for the existing software bugs, and promised reimbursement for any owner who had work completed to address the rearview camera display flickering off or the missing speedometer. 

The fix will require a trip to the dealer, where service techs will update the software and ensure it’s in compliance. Owners can expect notification by mail as early as July 12 with instructions. For more info, contact VW customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or visit VW’s recall hub here.