Volkswagen is recalling 20,904 ID.4 EVs—all 2021 models—to address an issue that stems from faulty powertrain control software.
In affected vehicles, existing software may cause the battery management control module to reset or the pulse inverter to turn off, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This in turn can cause power loss while driving.
In the case of battery management control module software, the self-diagnosis function may be too sensitive, causing unnecessary resets, while a faulty pulse inverter software may cause “evaluating”. wrong internal measurements” resulting in outages, according to NHTSA. In both cases, the driver will receive a warning on the instrument cluster.
2021VolkswagenID.4
The affected vehicles were manufactured between May 26, 2020 and January 20, 2022. All had an older version of the relevant software that was updated on later models. The recall documents note reports of stalled vehicles originating in the US, but VW has not acknowledged any accidents or injuries related to the problem.
To fix this problem, VW dealers will install the updated software for both the battery management control module and the pulse inverter free of charge. VW will notify owners of when to schedule appointments to complete this work, with notice letters expected to be mailed starting March 31.
2021VolkswagenID.4
The ID.4 is the first vehicle for VW’s EV push in the US whose new platform, MEB, is set to consolidate millions of electric vehicles. Other MEB-based US vehicles include ID.Buzz trucks and ID.7 sedan.
This is the first recall for VW’s MEB platform, which has a good track record so far—not to be confused with VW’s many problems since launch with software and interface.
