NHTSA Recall Query: Inadvertent Door Opening in 2021-2023 Volkswagen ID.4 (RQ24-010)

RQ24-010 at a glance

What is NHTSA investigating in the Volkswagen ID.4?

From NHTSA’s investigation summary:

On May 16, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Recall Query (RQ) RQ24010 to investigate the remedy and scope of recalls 23V-213 and 23V-312.

The affected vehicles by these recalls included model years (MY) 2021 through 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles.

ODI received reports of the vehicle's doors opening while the vehicle was in motion post recall remedy.

ODI, also, received similar allegations on vehicles that were outside the scope of the recalls.

Volkswagen issued recall 23V-213 on March 29, 2023, and recall 23V-213 on May 03, 2023.

These recalls addressed the defect of water ingress into the circuit board assembly of the door handle.

Water ingress can cause communication issues between the door handle and the door control until.

This malfunction resulted in the vehicle door inadvertently opening while the vehicle was in motion.

Over the course of the investigation, ODI received 17 unique VIN VOQ complaints of the vehicle doors opening while the vehicle was in motion occurring either post recall remedy or on a vehicle that was outside the recall scope.

Volkswagen submitted 190 unique VIN complaints reporting the same circumstances.

On September 4, 2024, Volkswagen submitted recall 24V-651 to address the issue of inadvertent opening of the door while the vehicle is in motion.

The scope of this recall expands the affected vehicles to include all MY2021-2024 Volkswagen ID.4 models, including those remedied under the subject recalls.

The recall remedy consists of replacement of the door handle assembly on all four doors as well as a software update.

The software update is performed to update the door handle parameters.

The new door handle will have the membrane relocated to the back of the handle to avoid standing water within the handle.

Also, a protective coating will be on the front and back of the circuit board to avoid direct moisture formation.

In view of the action being taken by Volkswagen, Recall 24V-651, ODI is closing this Recall Query.

The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.

To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What is a recall query?

Recall Query is a review of whether an earlier recall actually fixed the problem or covered all the vehicles it should have. A recall query is opened when owners keep reporting the same failure after the recall repair.

Did this investigation lead to a recall?

NHTSA closed this investigation on November 4, 2024 without listing a recall. That can mean NHTSA did not find a safety defect it could prove, or that the manufacturer addressed the issue another way. A closed investigation does not mean owners have no lemon law claim if the problem keeps happening.

Which vehicles are part of this investigation?

What are Volkswagen ID.4 owners reporting to NHTSA?

NHTSA’s public database lists 930 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this investigation (all components). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

What should owners do?

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recall on your vehicle.
2. If you have the problem NHTSA is investigating, take the vehicle to a dealer now and get a repair order, even if the dealer cannot find anything.
3. Keep a log of every time the problem happens: date, mileage and what happened. Photos and videos help.
4. File your own complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Owner complaints are what start and expand investigations.
5. If the problem keeps coming back, talk to a lemon law attorney.

Recalls on the same vehicles

• 2023-2024 Volkswagen ID.4 High-Voltage Battery Recall (26V028)
• 2023-2025 Volkswagen ID.4 High-Voltage Battery Recall (26V030)
• 2023-2024 Volkswagen ID.4 High-Voltage Battery Recall (25V836)
• 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Wheel Stud Recall (25V835)
• 2023-2025 Volkswagen Atlas Brake Recall (25V434)
• 2024-2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron Dc and Dc Converter Recall (25V125)
• 2021-2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Antilock Brake Control Module Recall (25V120)
• 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Backup Camera Recall (24V875)
• 2021-2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Body Exterior Recall (24V651)
• 2023-2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Inflator Module Recall (24V643)

Can a recall or defect investigation make my car a lemon in California?

Not by itself. What matters is whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps your vehicle at the dealer, and a federal investigation or recall is strong evidence that the problem is real.

Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer that cannot fix a warranty defect that substantially impairs a vehicle’s use, value or safety within a reasonable number of attempts may have to repurchase or replace it (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)). Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts after two repairs of a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four repairs of the same defect, or more than 30 days out of service (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)).

An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

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