2023 Volkswagen ID.4: windshield cracks

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX · fire

My Volkswagen ID.4 experienced a sudden crack in the windshield followed by smoke and fire near the dashboard/A-pillar area. The manufacturer denied responsibility and claimed the windshield crack caused the fire, but glass cannot ignite or cause an electrical fire. This is a serious safety hazard because the fire originated where electrical components and sensors are located. The incident occurred without any collision or external impact. The vehicle is still under lease, and Volkswagen refuses to investigate further. I am reporting this in case this defect affects more vehicles and poses a risk to other owners.

Filed Sep 17, 2024 · Visibility · OR

One week after buying the new car, the windshield cracked and quickly spread across the width of the car. There may have been a rock impact and I was on the highway. This is on a heated glass AWD Pro S model. It's apparently incredibly common for this to happen.

Filed Nov 27, 2023 · Visibility · 4,994 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated that after driving and parking the vehicle in the garage overnight, the following day the contact became aware that the front windshield was cracked from the driver’s to the passenger’s side. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the windshield was possibly impacted by a pebble. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic informed the contact that the windshield was on backorder however, the vehicle was drivable. The vehicle was taken to a glass repair facility and the contact was informed that the replacement windshield was not available. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 4,994.

Filed Nov 15, 2023 · Visibility · IL

The windshield cracked after a very minor rock impact right where the windshield meets the frame on the passenger side. The impact was so minor that I barely even noticed it - only once I saw the crack (large crack, maybe 10-12 inches) did I think back on what could have caused it. Safety issue: obviously a windshield that cracks to the point of replacement after a minor impact is a safety problem, as is driving a windshield with a large crack. It has not been inspected and the issue hasn't been reproduced by anyone (dealer or service center). However - an odd number of people have referenced a very similar issue (minor impact causes cracked windshield) on an internet forum. No warnings, obviously.

Filed Nov 13, 2023 · Visibility · VA

I have a cracked windshield on my 2023 VW ID.4 - both Safelite and the dealer state that there's a glass shortage, and the replacement has been on back order since October 3. They state there's not a danger in driving it, but twice in cold weather/rain there's been a cracking sound and the windshield starts to smoke. I believe this is arcing/smoking from the heated windshield, though VW corporate says they are unaware of this issue. I have also seen this problem documented by others on Reddit, and I also have a video of the problem on my windshield. I bring this up to you because I fear with the arcing/smoking it may be a safety hazard.

Filed Oct 29, 2023 · Visibility · NJ

My windshield incurred a crack on 8/15/23 that continues to spread. To this day, 10/29/23, I cannot locate a replacement windshield and the dealers can only communicate that there is a nationwide backorder with no timetable as to when the replacement will be available. It is inconceivable that a car manufacturer can sell a model without a stock of basic replacement parts, especially something as simple as a windshield. I am dreading heading into the winter months with a cracks windshield.