The first, significantly larger, recall encompasses 98,806 vehicles from model years 2021 to 2024. These vehicles may contain improperly made door handles that could permit water to infiltrate a printed circuit board, interfering with communication between the door handle and an onboard control unit, leading to unexpected door unlocks.
VW estimates that fewer than 1% of the recalled vehicles exhibit this flaw, attributed to door handles that fail to comply with factory standards for water ingress, as detailed in recall documents submitted to the NHTSA. If doors do unlock autonomously, drivers will hear a clicking sound akin to that of conventionally unlocked doors.
2024 Volkswagen ID.4
VW informed the NHTSA that it is aware of 135 warranty claims related to this problem (filed between June 2023 and May 2024) but has no knowledge of any accidents or injuries linked to it. The automaker had previously issued two recalls for the same problem; owners who have had recall work done earlier will need to return to dealerships for further action.
This time, dealers will evaluate door handles and replace them with upgraded components if applicable, alongside executing a software update. All of this service will be provided at no cost, and VW will reimburse owners who previously incurred expenses for related work out of pocket. Owner notification letters will be sent out on November 1.
ID.4 airbag inflator recall
The second recall, affecting 837 vehicles from model years 2023 and 2024, concerns airbag inflators that may be inadequately secured. Nuts fixing the primary inflator for the passenger front airbag might have been left loose during manufacturing. This could lead to incorrect airbag inflation, heightening the risk of injury, according to the NHTSA.
2024 Volkswagen ID.4
VW estimates a larger proportion of the recalled vehicles—80%—are affected by this defect. Owners might hear a rattling sound originating from the dashboard if the nuts securing the airbag inflator are loose.
Dealers will assess the torque of the airbag inflator screws, and will replace the airbag at no cost if the screws are found to be loose. Owner notification letters regarding this recall will be distributed on October 18. Owners seeking additional details about either recall can reach VW customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or visit VW’s recall hub.
These recalls include the updated 2024 VW ID.4, which has seen a price increase to $41,160 including destination charges, but it remains one of the most budget-friendly electric crossover choices, particularly for buyers eligible for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. The 2024 ID.4 was not part of a previous recall earlier this year that addressed software and display problems in earlier models.
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