2021 Volkswagen ID.4 VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2021 Volkswagen ID-4 has mixed reliability. There are 11 recalls and 304 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Volkswagen ID-4. Severity signals include 23 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (146), Unknown Or Other (31), Steering (16).

ID-4 reliability snapshot

46/100

Latest model-year reliability score

2.0/5

RepairPal rating (low)

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Volkswagen ID-4 before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Years to avoidThe weakest years and stronger alternatives Common problemsComplaint patterns across model years Recall historyNHTSA campaigns grouped by model year

Most-reported 2021 Volkswagen ID-4 issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

Electrical System146
Unknown Or Other31
Steering16
Structure16
Power Train15
Vehicle Speed Control14

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Volkswagen ID-4

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

Test infotainment system for freezing or resetting
Inspect tires for unusual wear or damage
Verify door handles function properly from inside and outside
Check for any active recalls and confirm repairs are completed
Test vehicle for unintended acceleration during low-speed maneuvers
Ensure electrical systems and displays operate without error messages
Confirm brakes do not lock or cause jarring stops, especially in wet conditions

What owners reported

2021 Volkswagen ID-4 owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 23 crashes, 1 fire and 16 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Volkswagen ID-4. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints146

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report frequent electrical system failures in the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, with issues often manifesting as the vehicle stalling or shutting off unexpectedly while driving. Common symptoms include instrument panels going dark, infotainment screens resetting, and loss of connectivity to vehicle networks, affecting navigation and safety features. These problems are noted to occur at various mileages, with some reports indicating issues beginning as early as 45,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as some complaints involve crashes and injuries linked to malfunctioning driver assist systems and unexpected vehicle shutdowns. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, particularly given the vehicle's history of unresolved recalls and lengthy repair times.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 5 injury reports

Owner complaints31

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen ID-4 frequently report issues with electronic systems, including GPS inaccuracies and recurring problems with the infotainment and instrument panel displays freezing or resetting. Complaints also highlight persistent door handle malfunctions, even after recall repairs, leading to difficulties in accessing or exiting the vehicle. Several owners describe backup camera failures, with some indicating that this affects safe vehicle operation. Notably, one incident involved unintended acceleration resulting in a crash and injury, suggesting potential safety risks. These issues appear across various timelines, with some owners experiencing problems soon after purchase and others encountering them over extended periods.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints16

STRUCTURE

Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 frequently report issues with door handles, with multiple complaints describing doors opening unexpectedly while driving, particularly at low speeds. Symptoms include doors failing to close securely, inability to open doors from the outside, and abnormal clicking noises. Many complaints indicate that these issues are ongoing due to parts being on backorder, with some owners experiencing problems at mileages around 46,000 to 70,000. Safety implications are evident, as one report involves a crash caused by unintended acceleration into a solid object, though no injuries occurred. Used car buyers should be aware of potential unresolved door handle issues and the associated safety concerns.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints16

STEERING

Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen ID-4 frequently report issues related to unintended acceleration and loss of steering control, sometimes accompanied by electrical system failures. Several complaints describe the vehicle accelerating without driver input and the steering wheel locking, with some incidents resulting in crashes, including five crashes and two injuries. These issues often occur at low speeds, such as parking or backing out, but some reports involve highway driving. Multiple owners mention that these problems started at relatively low mileages, around 8,000 to 22,675 miles. Safety concerns are evident as these malfunctions can lead to a complete loss of vehicle control, posing significant risks to both the driver and others on the road.

Severity signals: 5 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints15

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen ID-4 frequently report issues with the powertrain, particularly related to the electrical system and vehicle control. Common symptoms include unexpected loss of power while driving, inability to shift from park, and unintended vehicle movement. Several complaints describe the vehicle shutting down or losing all power, often accompanied by warnings such as "Electrical system not working correctly" or "Drive system error." These issues typically occur at various mileages, with some incidents reported as early as 4,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as multiple reports mention vehicles stalling in traffic or on highways, posing risks of collisions. This information is crucial for potential buyers to consider, especially regarding the vehicle's reliability and safety under certain conditions.

Owner complaints15

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 report several issues related to the braking system, with common complaints focusing on unexpected braking behavior and malfunctions. Some owners describe instances where the brakes lock or cause a sudden jarring stop, particularly after software updates or in wet conditions. Other reports mention the electronic stability control activating unnecessarily, leading to uneven braking and potential loss of control, especially on curves or during low-speed maneuvers. There are also reports of the vehicle moving unexpectedly on inclines when stationary, and some owners experiencing complete brake failure, with two incidents resulting in crashes. These issues are reported across varying mileage, with some occurring as early as 8,000 miles, posing potential safety risks for prospective buyers.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints14

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen ID-4 frequently report issues with unintended acceleration, often resulting in crashes, with eight incidents and six injuries noted. Common symptoms include sudden lurches forward when attempting to park or stop, and unexpected acceleration without input from the driver. Multiple complaints highlight problems occurring both at low speeds, such as parking or in drive-thru lines, and at higher speeds when using adaptive cruise control. Some reports also mention a lack of response from the brake system during these events. The issues appear to manifest regardless of mileage, with some owners experiencing them after recent software updates or service visits. These incidents suggest significant safety implications due to loss of vehicle control.

Severity signals: 8 crash, 0 fire, 6 injury reports

Owner complaints7

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Owners report several issues with the 2021 Volkswagen ID-4's fuel/propulsion system, including problems with power loss and charging. Multiple owners describe sudden power loss during acceleration, particularly in 'B' mode, which temporarily resolves after releasing and reapplying the accelerator. Complaints frequently mention charging difficulties due to a failed charge port door actuator, preventing the vehicle from being charged without dealer intervention. One report involves a fire originating from a battery module, resulting in injuries to the driver. Additionally, some owners express concerns over unresolved battery recalls, with difficulties accessing certified technicians for repairs. These issues appear across various mileages, with some reports indicating recurring problems over a span of months. Safety implications include potential for fire, loss of power while driving, and risk of collision due to vehicle rollback on inclines.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints5

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2021 Volkswagen ID-4 frequently report issues with the airbag system, particularly involving warning lights indicating errors. Commonly mentioned problems include a persistent airbag warning light and errors related to the passenger occupancy detection system, which some owners associate with a known recall code. One report details a crash where the driver's side curtain airbag deployed unexpectedly, leading to a collision with a utility pole and resulting in injuries. This incident highlights potential safety risks, including unintended airbag deployment and loss of vehicle control. Complaints do not specify mileage ranges, but the issues appear to be ongoing and unresolved by dealerships, which could be a consideration for prospective buyers.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints5

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Owners report issues with the 2021 Volkswagen ID-4's forward collision avoidance systems, including unintended activation and lack of warnings. One complaint involves a crash where the automatic emergency braking system engaged without a visible hazard, causing a rear-end collision. Another owner describes sudden vehicle acceleration when the steering wheel's "resume" button is accidentally touched, often while maneuvering at low speeds. Additionally, users mention a lack of audible warnings when the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems disengage, potentially leading to unexpected loss of these features. These issues present safety implications, such as crashes and unintended vehicle behavior, which prospective buyers should consider.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

2021 ID-4 recalls (11)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 ID-4. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

AIR BAGSNHTSA 22V858000Nov 2, 2022
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."
Consequence: An incorrectly folded air bag may not protect the occupant as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 25V120000Feb 27, 2025
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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
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.
STRUCTURENHTSA 24V651000Sep 4, 2024
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.
Consequence: A vehicle door that opens unexpectedly while driving increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION, EQUIPMENT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 24V344000May 15, 2024
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."
Consequence: Displays that do not show critical information, such as vehicle speed or the rearview camera image, increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
STRUCTURENHTSA 23V312000May 3, 2023
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.
Consequence: A vehicle door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 23V040000Feb 1, 2023
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.
Consequence: A reset or deactivation may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 22V162000Mar 16, 2022
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.
Consequence: An unreliable battery connection may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
STEERINGNHTSA 21V852000Nov 3, 2021
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.
Consequence: An incorrectly assembled or missing drive bushing may cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 BELTSNHTSA 21V606000Aug 5, 2021
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."
Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
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).
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 21V607000Aug 4, 2021
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."
Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 21V413000Jun 2, 2021
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."
Consequence: Adjusting the horizontal headlight beam can increase glare, reducing visibility for the driver and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.

How the 2021 Volkswagen ID-4 stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Audi Q5

Reliability: 76/100·Rivalry score: 90

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Toyota bZ4X

Reliability: 76/100·Rivalry score: 90

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Lexus NX

Reliability: 88/100·Rivalry score: 85

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Mercedes-Benz GLE

Reliability: 65/100·Rivalry score: 80

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Reliability verdict for the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID-4 presents an elevated reliability risk, significantly trailing the segment average. With a score of 46 out of 100, it indicates notable reliability concerns, especially for a first-year model in a new generation. The vehicle's 11 recalls suggest an elevated level of manufacturing issues compared to competitors.

Complaints are heavily concentrated in the electrical system, accounting for nearly half of all reported issues. This suggests a critical area of concern that could affect overall vehicle performance and owner satisfaction. Additional complaints, though fewer in number, span categories such as structure, steering, and power train, indicating broader reliability issues.

Potential buyers should be aware of these reliability challenges when considering the 2021 Volkswagen ID-4, as it carries a higher risk of issues compared to its peers.

What you get in a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 report

Available title brand history

Odometer readings & rollback detection

Accident & damage records

Auction sales with photos

Open safety recalls

Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2021 Volkswagen ID.4 — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 reliable?

How many recalls does the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 have?

11 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 problems?

The most-reported 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 problem areas are: Electrical System (146), Unknown Or Other (31), Steering (16).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.