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VW Stops Production of ID.4 Because the Doors Could Open Themselves

2024 vw id4
VW Halts ID.4 Production Over Door Handle ProblemVW

Earlier this month, Volkswagen issued a recall for 98,806 ID.4 electric crossovers due to a door handle water ingress problem. As of September 18, however, the issue has escalated, with VW issuing a stop-sale order and a production halt of the EV SUV.

Recall documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explain affected vehicles are fitted with door handles that don’t meet “factory specifications for protection against water ingress.” As a result, water ingress on the printed circuit board could cause an open command to the door lock. Not only could it unlock, in fact, but communication issues between the handle and door control unit could cause the door to become ajar even if the release is not being activated by a person.

Road & Track asked VW for further clarification, and a spokesperson confirmed the door could physically pop open. Volkswagen also provided Road & Track with the following statement concerning the production stop:

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“After extensive review, in response to the stop-sale of the ID.4, we will temporarily suspend production of the vehicle at the Volkswagen Chattanooga plant until a remedy is available. While we address the issue, we are focused on doing right by our employees, dealers and consumers through this disruption."

"Approximately 200 employees in Chattanooga will be furloughed beginning September 23, and we are supporting them by supplementing unemployment from the state of Tennessee so they will still receive 80 percent of their base compensation and will continue to be covered by all current benefits during this time. We are also exploring ways to support our dealers while we determine a remedy for our customers. This disruption in no way changes our commitment to the ID.4 and our growing BEV portfolio.”

There is currently no fix for the issue, according to recall documents. Volkswagen did not issue a “stop drive” order for the vehicles, but did point out customers should look out for an audible clicking noise (like the door locking or unlocking). If that occurs, VW suggests owners should bring their vehicles into the dealership for inspection. In the meantime, Volkswagen says it is “working diligently to make the recall remedy available as soon as possible.”

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