When Volkswagen (VOW3.DE) launched the ID.4, it was meant to be a flagship electric crossover, a testament to the brand’s commitment to an electrified future. However, last September, the road hit a literal snag—or rather, a door handle.
VW’s recall of nearly 100,000 ID.4s due to faulty hardware was a sobering moment and a lesson in how even the smallest components can bring a major EV launch to a screeching halt.
Now, the company is ready for a comeback. Let’s dive into what went wrong, what’s being done to fix it, and whether the ID.4 is poised to reclaim its spot in the EV lineup.
The Door Handle Debacle
Flush door handles are all the rage in the EV world. They’re sleek, modern, and—most importantly—aerodynamic, contributing to the range-boosting drag reduction that EV manufacturers obsess over. Volkswagen jumped on this trend with the ID.4’s electromechanical door handles.
The problem? These handles weren’t waterproofed properly. Over time, water seeped into the assembly, corroding the electronics. This led to an alarming issue: doors that occasionally opened while driving.
By September, VW had received nearly 300 warranty claims, prompting the automaker to take drastic measures. Production was halted, sales were suspended, and an extensive recall was issued to address the safety concern.
A Fix in Sight
Fast forward to today, and VW claims it has solved the problem. Newly designed door handles with improved waterproofing are now available, and the automaker is rolling out the fix to existing vehicles as part of the recall. With these new components in place, VW is preparing to lift the stop-sale order and resume production of the ID.4 at its Chattanooga, Tennessee, factory.
This is a pivotal moment for Volkswagen. The ID.4 was meant to be a volume seller in its growing EV portfolio, but a pause in production and sales left competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y further cementing their positions. Now, VW aims to regain lost ground, starting with its backlog of unsold vehicles.
Sweetening the Deal
To ensure the ID.4 doesn’t linger in dealer lots, VW is planning “highly competitive lease offers” for customers. While details are sparse, this strategy signals a commitment to restoring consumer confidence and boosting sales momentum.
For buyers, this could mean attractive lease terms for a well-rounded electric crossover with a generous range, a spacious interior, and now, a safer door handle system.
Lessons Learned
The ID.4’s door handle saga is a reminder that innovation often comes with growing pains. While the issue was a setback for VW, it also highlights the complexity of modern EV design.
Automakers are pushing boundaries, blending cutting-edge tech with efficiency-focused engineering, but even small oversights can have outsized consequences.
For Volkswagen, the focus now shifts to ensuring the ID.4’s relaunch is as smooth as possible. A seamless fix for current owners, enticing deals for new buyers, and a return to steady production could help rebuild trust in the brand’s EV ambitions.
Charge Complete
With redesigned parts and production set to resume, the Volkswagen ID.4 is ready for its second act. Whether it can reclaim its spot in the increasingly competitive EV market remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: VW is betting big on the ID.4’s success, with lessons learned and lease deals in hand.
If you’re in the market for an electric crossover, it might just be worth giving the ID.4 another look—this time with doors that stay firmly shut.
