In a recent announcement, Volkswagen revealed that it will be recalling 98,806 of its ID.4 electric vehicles due to defective door handles that could potentially cause doors to open unexpectedly. The recall affects models from 2021 to 2024 that were assembled in Zwickau, Germany, and Chattanooga, Tennessee. While VW believes that less than 1% of the affected vehicles have the defect, it is still taking proactive measures to address the issue.
### Defective Door Handles
According to recall documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the defective door handles on the affected vehicles may not effectively keep out water. This can lead to water entering the door handle and reaching a printed circuit board, causing “communication issues” between the handle and the door control unit. As a result, an erroneous command to unlock the door may occur, potentially leading to the door opening unexpectedly. Drivers may notice a clicking noise similar to the sound made when the door is normally unlocked.
### Warranty Claims and Safety Concerns
Volkswagen has acknowledged 135 warranty claims related to this issue between June 2023 and May 2024. However, there have been no reported crashes or injuries associated with the defective door handles. In response to the recall, VW dealers will inspect the door handles and replace them with improved versions at no cost to customers. Additionally, vehicles will receive a software update to address the issue, and customers will be reimbursed for any work they may have paid for related to this recall.
### Recall Process and Customer Support
Owners of the affected vehicles can expect to receive notification letters from Volkswagen starting November 1, 2024. For more information, customers can contact Volkswagen’s customer service department at 1-800-893-5298. It is important for owners to bring their vehicles to dealerships for inspection and replacement of the defective door handles, even if they have had recall work performed previously.
### Previous Recalls and Updates
This recall follows a previous one earlier this year involving nearly 80,000 ID.4 EVs from model years 2021 to 2023 for screen issues and software problems. The 2024 ID.4 models were not part of that recall and have since received updates, including a larger available screen to address previous interface issues. Volkswagen continues to prioritize the safety and satisfaction of its customers by addressing any potential defects promptly and efficiently.