2021 Volkswagen Id4 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2021 Volkswagen Id4 carries 11 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering gear box (other than rack and pinion) and retractor. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Instrument cluster and infotainment display blackout.” Volkswagen's modern TSI turbo engines (1.4T, 1.5T, 2.0T) require oil meeting VW 502 00 or VW 508 00 specification — generic 5W-30 will not protect under load. DSG dual-clutch transmissions (Jetta GLI, Golf GTI/R, Tiguan) require fluid service every 40,000 miles regardless of dealer claims of 'lifetime fill.' Haldex AWD models add their own coupling-fluid schedule.

11 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)

Campaign #21V852000 · Mar 11, 2021

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

Campaign #21V607000 · Apr 8, 2021

Issue: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

Campaign #21V606000 · May 8, 2021

Issue: 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."

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

Fix: 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).

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Campaign #21V413000 · Feb 6, 2021

Issue: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Campaign #22V162000 · Mar 16, 2022

Issue: 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.

Risk: An unreliable battery connection may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #22V858000 · Feb 11, 2022

Issue: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

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

Campaign #23V040000 · Jan 2, 2023

Issue: 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.

Risk: A reset or deactivation may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:EXTERIOR

Campaign #23V312000 · Mar 5, 2023

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Campaign #24V344000 · May 15, 2024

Issue: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:EXTERIOR

Campaign #24V651000 · Apr 9, 2024

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

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

Campaign #25V120000 · Feb 27, 2025

Issue: 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."

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2021 Volkswagen Id4.

Reported to NHTSA

Instrument cluster and infotainment display blackout

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

32 NHTSA complaints · 2023-08 → 2026-08

The previous recall to fix the screen issue did not work. Both screens, the infotainment and instrument cluster, continue to randomly go blank and reboot. This removes the backup camera and speedometer for a period of time while driving
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750747
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11692070
Instrument panel went completely dark. Lost all information. Needed to pull the car over to the curb. Eventually the display reset and came back
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11717148

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door handle failure to open or unexpected opening

STRUCTURE

18 NHTSA complaints · 2023-07 → 2026-04

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the doors opened unexpectedly
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11732843
Driver's side door cannot be opened from outside. Exterior handle pulls but produces only clicking sounds inside the door—latch does not release. Interior handle requires multiple pulls to open the door
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11710662
the driver door open by itself during driving. It happened 3 times. It is not possible to lock the car
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11564060

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of propulsion and unexpected shutdown while driving

POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

15 NHTSA complaints · 2024-01 → 2026-07

My 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S has unexpectedly lost propulsion and come to a complete stop while being driven on at least three separate occasions. When this occurs, the vehicle jolts, stops moving, and cannot be placed into Drive or Reverse
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750851
The 12v battery powering the electrical system failed. This caused the vehicle to stop unexpectedly in the middle of a busy street worth traffic on either side of the vehicle
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11619672
When accelerating from stop the vehicle loses power. If the accelerator is depressed further the power does not return. However, when the accelerator is released then depressed again power returns
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11613514

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Safety recall repair parts unavailable

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

20 NHTSA complaints · 2023-06 → 2025-11

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11698571
Manufacturer and dealership in my area have been unable to schedule me for getting Safety Recall for High Voltage Battery Management Control Module Software (97ZZ) done to my vehicle. I have been in the waitlist for dealership to do this recall since May 2023
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11569253
My VW id4 2021 has been recalled for High Voltage battery issues. My local dealer, FLOW vw of Asheville NC cannot perform the work as they do not have a certified technician
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11544700

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread separation and sidewall failure

TIRES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2023-06 → 2025-08

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Tire Line: Alenza, Tire Size: 235/55/R19, DOT Number: 2761004ES. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact experienced a front driver’s side tire blowout
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11531767
I have purchased a set of Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra (P 235 / 55 R 19 105 W XL front, P 255 / 50 R 19 107 W XL back) in August 2022 for my 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S RWD EV. After only 12,000 miles, tire dry rot started showing up in June 2023 on all tires
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11526866
In Sept. 2024 we noticed that the edges of both front tires (Alenza 235/50 R20) had pieces coming off them so we arranged to have the tires replaced at the original dealer from which we had bought the car
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11665648

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden acceleration during low-speed parking maneuvers

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

17 NHTSA complaints · 2023-08 → 2026-07

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID4. The contact stated that while the wife was parking and into a parking space, the brake pedal was released and the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward and crashed into a concrete barrier
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11737065
I was pulling into a parking space and slowly moving forward to get to the front of the space. The car spurted forward about 2 feet with force and crashed into a cement based light standard
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11657616
The steering wheel controls on our 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 are haptic. That means that if you brush them with your fingers or hand with light pressure, they can activate
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11541568

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 10,000 mi

Replace VW 502 00 / 508 00 spec full-synthetic oil every 10,000 miles. GTI/Golf R and Jetta GLI: 5,000 miles under hard driving. Never substitute non-spec oil — it cokes the EA888 PCV system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles. Golf R and Tiguan with 4Motion AWD: 7,500 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 10,000 miles. GTI and Golf R front pads typically last 30,000-40,000 miles under spirited driving.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

DSG Dual-Clutch Fluid (DQ200 / DQ250 / DQ500)

Every 40,000 mi

DSG dual-clutch transmissions on GTI, Golf R, Jetta GLI, Tiguan, and Atlas Cross Sport: replace fluid and filter every 40,000 miles. VW spec G 052 182 (DQ250 wet clutch) or G 052 512 (DQ200 dry clutch) — never substitute. Skipping this destroys the mechatronic unit.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$470–$640

Shop

~$330–$450

DIY

Pro only

VW/Audi DSG service needs a fluid-fill procedure at a specific temperature — shop equipment territory.

Haldex AWD Coupling Fluid (4Motion)

Every 20,000 mi

Tiguan 4Motion, Atlas 4Motion, Golf R: replace Haldex coupling fluid every 20,000 miles. Independent VW shops report Haldex pump failure within 60,000 miles when service is skipped.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$220–$290

Shop

~$155–$205

DIY

~$40–$90

VW/Audi/Volvo AWD coupling — specific fluid required. Filter usually swapped at the same time.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 4 brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage. Required for ABS pump and electronic parking brake longevity.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 40,000 miles. EA888 turbo engines: inspect every 20,000 miles to prevent boost leak symptoms.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 40,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs every 40,000 miles on TSI engines. Naturally aspirated VR6 and 2.5L 5-cylinder: 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Timing Chain (EA888 — Inspect Tensioner)

On condition / lifetime

EA888 Gen 1/2 (2008-2014) had timing chain tensioner failures — inspect by 80,000 miles. Gen 3 (2015+) and EA211 are upgraded designs with no scheduled service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Dust & Pollen Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Behind the glove box on Jetta, Passat, Golf, and Atlas.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

G13 Coolant

On condition / lifetime

VW G13 coolant (lilac/pink) is labeled lifetime fill. Independent VW specialists recommend replacement every 5 years or 100,000 miles to prevent water pump impeller wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

3 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

27

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2021 Volkswagen Id4 reflects Volkswagen's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.