Software Glitch Puts ID.4 and Q4 E-Tron at Risk
Volkswagen Group is recalling 60,490 EVs in the U.S. due to a software issue affecting the gear selection display. The recall impacts 2021-2023 Volkswagen ID.4, 2022-2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron, and Q4 E-Tron Sportback models.
The issue? The “N” (Neutral) position may not appear on the instrument cluster when it should. This could confuse drivers, leading to rollaway risks or accidental crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the defect rate is estimated at just 1%, but the risk is serious enough to warrant a recall.
Fix Requires a Dealership Visit
Unlike some software updates that can be delivered over-the-air (OTA), this fix requires a trip to the dealership. The faulty software controls the brake control unit, meaning it must be manually updated.
- Repairs are free for affected owners.
- Notifications will be sent by April 25 so drivers can schedule an appointment.
- Until then, VW and Audi recommend using the parking brake manually to prevent rollaway incidents.
A Growing Recall List for VW & Audi EVs
This is the 11th recall for the Volkswagen ID.4 in the U.S. Previous recalls included faulty electronic door handles, which led to a three-month stop-sale. That issue significantly impacted ID.4 sales.
The Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 E-Tron Sportback are also no strangers to recalls—this marks their fifth recall. Previous issues included:
- Defective headlights
- Malfunctioning rearview cameras
- Torn airbags
- Overheating charging cables
What’s Next for VW and Audi?
As software continues to play a bigger role in EVs, automakers must ensure these updates are reliable. With Tesla leading the way in OTA fixes, traditional automakers still rely on dealership visits for critical software repairs—a process that feels outdated in today’s EV landscape.
For now, if you own an affected ID.4 or Q4 E-Tron, double-check your parking brake and watch for a recall notice soon.
