2023 Volkswagen ID.4: sudden loss of power

Filed Jul 23, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · WA

I am driving home from work and I’m right around the corner from my house. As soon as I try to make a turn, the car begins beeping and the faults “Electrical system malfunction” and “12V power supply” show up. My car does not accelerate, I lose power steering, and I can no longer move while I’m still in the middle of the road with cars around me. Thankfully, there was a slight downhill that allowed me to coast somewhat off the road, but I had to push this 4600+ lbs car (by myself) further so it wasn’t sticking out. I had to get 4 other people to help push the car to my house across a residential collector road which took ~20 mins just to go a couple hundred feet. This is the THIRD time of this occurring, twice I’ve been to the dealership, and twice they told me they couldn’t replicate the issue. The other times “thankfully” occurred when the car was already parked, but one of the instances required a tow; this was not even a week after buying the car. The second time occurred not even 5 hours after getting my car back from the dealership service center, requiring me to ditch the car in the parking lot (dealership was closed). I’ve had the car for a little under a month. This is incredibly unsafe. I work in downtown and go on many major roads/interstates during my commute. If this would’ve happened on the freeway or a busier road, a serious accident and/or injury could’ve occurred.

Filed Apr 16, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · MA

Car has been in and out of various VW dealers since purchase at the end of August 2023. Car was purchased new. Immediately began receiving emergency “stop driving vehicle” messages on driver display. VW on call service advised if the car drives, I can operate it and no further action is necessary. Various Electical errors including charge 12V battery, infotainment screen going black or resetting while driving, no display while in reverse, car losing power on highway, car alarm going off while driving, if hazard lights are used, they do not shut off unless the car is off and driver is out of the car for at least ten minutes, interior lights flash on and off (this is a safety issue as is if incredibly difficult to see while driving at night, car has been in shop three times for this, no repairs, the car battery drains incredibly quickly; usually get about 2kWh in town driving, charging errors; charger not recognized, or car displays it is charging, but when complete, it didn’t charge, windows don’t respond to the controls, door handles don’t always work to open the doors; often have to access the car from passenger side (these have been replaced and still don’t work), emergency braking system doesn’t function, car ghost breaks (no objects ahead, clean sensors, driving and brakes slam on), multiple leaks in vehicle including headlights, rear driver tail light, and the light on top of the back hatch, car loses connection to emergency system, infotainment screen doesn’t respond to finger touches and must be reset, to initiate OTA updates, fuse needs to be pulled. I barely drive the car, and it’s my only vehicle. It’s not safe (lighting issues ongoing, alarms, safety features don’t work, can’t get into the car) and not reliable for travel as charging is hit or miss (at commercial charging stations and home charging station), and the battery life is extremely short, even in perfect conditions using cruise control in eco mode, the car only travels about 130 miles.

Filed Apr 5, 2026 · Electrical · ME

I am submitting this complaint as a follow-up to three prior the federal safety agency complaints regarding this same vehicle: Complaint #11714848 (submitted 2/1/2026) Complaint #11714852 (submitted 2/1/2026) Complaint #11716040 (submitted 2/5/2026) These prior complaints document a progression of serious electrical, charging, and vehicle control issues that have worsened over time. Initially, the vehicle experienced widespread software and electrical failures affecting core driving and safety systems, including loss of power while driving, unintended system activation, blank instrument displays, and failure of safety-related features such as the SOS emergency system. These issues escalated to include severe charging system failures, inability to reliably charge the vehicle, dramatically reduced range, and intermittent propulsion loss. On February 4, 2026, the vehicle became completely inoperable, displaying multiple critical warnings including “Drive system error,” “Electrical system not working correctly,” and inability to start or move the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealership on February 5, 2026 for repair. I have now been informed by both Volkswagen and the dealership that they have been unable to identify or implement a repair for these issues. Despite this, they plan to return the vehicle to me without performing any substantive repairs. I have been told that diagnostic fault codes have been cleared and that the vehicle is now considered “safe” to drive. However, no root cause has been identified, and no repairs have been made to correct the underlying defects that led to loss of power, system failures, and complete inoperability. The issues previously reported remain unresolved and include: Loss of power while driving Dashboard and infotainment displays going blank while driving Vehicle shifting into park unexpectedly Cruise control activating without driver input Charging system failures preventing reliable charging Repeated warnings indicating unsafe oper

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · NY

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 provided: [XXX] . Vehicle was ultimately released back to me with unresolved repairs (citing backorder of parts amongst other concerns that VW would not consent to resolving related to compromised bumper electronics) and interim repair offered to resolve compromise to vehicle airbag systems. The primary use of this vehicle is in transportation of my children. It is patently unsafe to drive. Given that the vehicle is subject to a federal safety recall without an available remedy I have requested a prompt determination of the vehicle repurchase / lease buy‑back and compensation for loss of use and incurred costs to support alternative transportation requirements until resolution under this claim. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 6, 2024 · Body, Driver assistance · 4,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 24V651000 (Structure) and 24V344000 (Back Over Prevention, Equipment, Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The main control panel blacked out and the contact was unable to accelerate. The contact coasted to the side of the road and the vehicle regained power and was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that a software update was needed; however, update was unavailable. The failure occurred approximately 15 more times while driving at various speeds. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the front passenger’s door made a clicking sound and slightly opened while driving approximately 30 MPH and had to be manually closed. The contact also stated that the door ajar light illuminated and remained illuminated despite pulling over and properly closing the door. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the software update needed to be performed. The software update was not performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Oct 7, 2024 · Electrical · WA

There was an electrical issue associated with a recall where while driving I had lost power to my dashboard and infotainment system on more than one occasion.

Filed Aug 27, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · MA

Our VW ID.4 was leased in December 2023. The vehicle unexpectedly went into "turtle"mode or limp mode, which according to VW happens when the battery is very low. Notably, we had 80% of battery charge at the time (which is the optimum charge). Unexpectedly, the yellow turtle display came on and, worse, the vehicle lost power while driving. The speed was greatly reduced, the power was also greatly reduced. The car went from regenerative breaking to loss of regenerative breaking, while the center drive display still showed "B" for regenerative breaking. It was also almost not possible to drive up a small hill. The vehicle displayed 2 error messages (we have photos, also of the 80% battery charge, which we attach): 1. "Vehicle performance is limited. See owner's manual." 2. "Electrical system not working correctly. Safely stop the vehicle." Comment: In our opinion, the vehicle is not safe to drive. The unexpected reduction in speed and loss of power, paired with the loss of regenerative breaking, creates very dangerous conditions. It may not be possible to "Safely stop the vehicle". In addition, we have also lost the center display and dashboard display twice now, which we believe is mentioned in the federal safety agency Recall Number24V344. VW sent us a letter in July informing us that our vehicle is subject to this recall. Yes, we have experienced the issue, twice. It is even more scary, if this happens when the vehicle loses power unexpectedly on an 80% charge. It is unacceptable that VW states in its recall letter "A recall repair is not available yet". VW is exposing drivers and passengers to significant risk. We are concerned that this vehicle is not safe to drive. We have brought it to the dealer on Monday 8-26-2024 and are awaiting diagnostics and repair.

Filed Jan 30, 2024 · Electrical · MI

I brought my vehicle because of an electrical problem I lost power and my dash light came on saying electrical system malfunction, My dealership just informed me about some cables been chewed up by a mouse it’s what they claim. It’s the battery cables insulation in the bottom front part of the vehicle, after reading about the recall in the battery cables insulation wearing out from 2022 models you can clearly see that it’s the same problem in the same spot and in the same rear wheel drive model. They don’t want to take responsibility because there is no recall for my year yet, so they want me to pay $3000 out of pocket to fix it and I don’t even have a month that I bought this vehicle.

Filed Jan 7, 2024 · Electrical, Fuel system · NV

9942 miles – Error: 12V power supply. Safely Park the vehicle! See owner’s manual. Pulled over a turned vehicle off. Took vehicle to AutoNation VW. By the time I arrived at the dealership the error was no longer on the screen. Jeffrey Lopez had said it would be checked as part of the 10,000-mile service (which according to Jeffrey included oil change.) I showed Jeff pictures of the error message. Tech performed the 10000-mile service, scanned the vehicle but claimed they were unable to duplicate concern. Nothing was documented regarding the electrical issue, only that I was there for a 10,0000 service synthetic oil. Inspection paperwork all claimed that the vehicle was in good condition. Upon leaving the dealership there was a thud and loss of power but then the power immediately came back.

Filed Nov 16, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · TX

While backing up in a driveway at approximately 3-4 miles per hour, the vehicle lost all power and stalled. Both screens went completely black. Seconds later (10-15 maybe) the system re-initialized as if it was rebooted. If this happened at higher speed, it might result in accidents.

Filed Jun 1, 2023 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA

I was pulling into a parking structure when the left side of the vehicle (door handles, windows, sensors) lost power. I was able to park the vehicle and then have it towed to the dealership. Although it happened at very low speed, my safety was at risk. It would have been very dangerous if this had happened on the freeway. I was unable to open the door or to close the driver window. The dealer found a blown fuse. They have not been able to identify a cause of what would cause a fuse to blow like this. They continue to work on it (we are on day 3 now) including working with VW of America engineering. The two recalls on this vehicle have been address (approx 10 days ago). I have had numerous other problems with this vehicle that I don't believe are related to this particular incident apart from the recall related to the door handles.