Volkswagen is once again facing a recall, this time involving 98,806 ID.4 electric vehicles. The issue at hand is with the door handles, which can unexpectedly open while driving. This problem has been a recurring theme for Volkswagen, as previous recalls, 23V-312 and 23V-213, addressed similar issues.
The latest recall expands on the previous efforts, and vehicles that have already undergone repairs under those recalls will need to be addressed again. The problem lies in the door handles of 2021-2024 ID.4s, which are not adequately protected against water ingress. This can lead to water reaching the printed circuit board, causing malfunctions and potentially resulting in an “open command,” which can cause the door to open unexpectedly.
While the previous recalls were issued in 2023, Volkswagen became aware of the ongoing issue in February of this year. After further investigation by suppliers, it was determined that water ingress and corrosion were affecting the door handle electronics. This led to the initiation of the latest recall.
Despite the potential safety hazard, no injuries or crashes have been reported due to this issue. However, Volkswagen has received 135 warranty claims related to the problem between June 2023 and May 2024.
A permanent solution is still being developed, but it will likely involve dealers inspecting each door handle and replacing them with improved parts if necessary. Additionally, a software update will be implemented to modify the door handle parameters.
This latest recall highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Volkswagen in ensuring the safety and reliability of its electric vehicles. As the automaker continues to work on addressing these issues, it remains to be seen whether it can regain the trust of its customers and maintain its position in the competitive electric vehicle market.