Problems · by component

2023 Volkswagen ID.4 power train problems

32 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 cite power train, 7% of all 466 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
32
7% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Vehicle: 2023 Volkswagen ID.4, VIN [XXX] (in service [XXX]) Component: Power Train – Drive axle / Driveshaft At 19,623 miles, a thumping and rolling noise developed in the rear, worst under heavy acceleration and deceleration. Volkswagen of Cool Springs (Franklin, TN) found the left rear CV axle loose where it fits into the rear drive motor. The dealer replaced the left rear drive axle (RO [XXX], 06/28/2025 to 07/14/2025). The same noise returned within 3 days. On 07/17/2025 (RO [XXX], 19,732 miles), the dealer ordered a second driveshaft. A later visit (RO [XXX]) again recommended axle replacement. Further axle and seal work was done on RO [XXX] (10/30/2025 to 11/05/2025, 22,199 miles). The problem has come back again. The vehicle has been at the dealer since about [XXX], now more than 50 days, with no fix or timeline. That makes at least four repair visits for the same defect, with the first two inside the first year of ownership. A recurring loose connection between the axle and the drive motor could cause sudden loss of drive power or axle failure at speed. I am asking NHTSA to investigate rear axle and drive motor defects in the 2023 ID.4.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 21, 2026Power trainODI 11772848
“Pulled into a parking space with foot on the brake and accelerator pedal. The vehicle sped forward, pushing a car parked in front of me into the driveway, just missing another vehicle”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 19, 2026Power train, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11745270
“12-volt onboard battery error codes, stating battery charge is low, and to safely park the vehicle. Alternatively, drive the vehicle to charge the battery. Or charge the vehicle. The car has been to the dealer for testing, and they say that the on-board battery checks out without any problems, yet I continue to get the battery error codes. We don't feel safe to driving the car in fear of complete lockout failure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 28, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11740645
“Claim submitted to VW Customer Care on March 8, 2026. Current problems cited include: Doors malfunctioning; vehicle difficult to start and power off; steering and braking warnings; complete loss of power steering; compromised performance in significant lag between accelerator depression and vehicle response; electrical malfunction alerts (17); numerous dashboard warnings; distressing repetitive whining sound (not mechanical); persistent underperformance regarding vehicle range. On March 10, vehicle was towed to commence inspection at Bay Ridge Volkswagen Service & Parts – [XXX] . Further evidence of vehicle issues provided as accompaniment to VW Customer Care Claim via: [XXX] This current March 2026 concern follows on multiple service visits and loss of vehicle usage during April–August 2025 claims process. During this time, Brooklyn Volkswagen Service (now permanently closed) conducted an evaluation of the car, including documented video evidence of issues with the car – even beyond those which were the original cause for my concerns (e.g. they cited degradation of cables and wiring within the car’s hood due to their being made of edible soy wrappings). Link…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 16, 2026Steering, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11724748
“This vehicle is a total safety hazard due to two distinct failures: ​1. Unresolved Door Defect (14+ Months): For over 14 months, the vehicle has suffered from 'Self-Opening Door Handles.' Despite 4 repair attempts, the manufacturer has failed to fix this, posing a risk of doors opening while driving. ​2. Fire Risk & Use Restriction (Current Recall 26V-028): Currently, the vehicle is under a 'High-Voltage Battery Fire Risk' recall. The manufacturer has no remedy available and advises to 'Park Outside' and 'Away from Structures,' while also advising against fast charging. ​Conclusion: I am stuck with a car that has doors that open on their own and a battery that might catch fire. The manufacturer refuses to repurchase this unsafe vehicle. I request an immediate investigation.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 11, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11717302
“The mobile app will not connect, preventing charging monitoring or battery pre-conditioning in cold weather. Charging frequently fails to initiate or stops prematurely. Level 2 (slow) charging often stops after only 5–10% of charge is added but is unpredictable. Even when charging on a level 3 charger, the vehicle often charges to random levels below 80% (the level to which the vehicle is supposed to charge). DC fast charging is slow and often struggles to reach 40%-50% within a reasonable time. Charging equipment often reports significantly more energy delivered than vehicle displays. This has occurred at multiple charging locations (and multiple chargers). The vehicle’s range has been severely reduced. The vehicle’s range is dramatically less than it used to be. The battery is often drained and needs to be recharged in less than 100 miles. The vehicle often loses power. This is inconsistent, but when it happens, I am only able to get the vehicle moving at a very slow pace, which was not the case previously. I have contacted the selling dealer multiple times and Volkswagen directly. Charging-related issues have continued to worsen.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 1, 2026Power train, Unknown or otherODI 11714852

Showing 6 of 32 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Power train: gear position indication (prndl)

Free remedy

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 ID.4, 2022-2023 Audi Q4 e-Tron, and Q4 e-Tron Sportback vehicles. The instrument panel may not properly display the transmission gear lever indicator. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect."

Power trainReported Feb 27, 2025NHTSA 25V120000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.