Volkswagen ID.4 production halted due to door issues

A few months ago, I was driving my 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 when, seemingly out of nowhere, my driver-side door made several unusual clicking noises and then popped open.

“That’s not good,” I thought, as I quickly shut the door while also attempting to keep my hands on the wheel. And apparently, I wasn’t the only one experiencing this problem. Hundreds of other VW owners were also struggling to keep their doors closed while driving.

The issue culminated this week with VW halting production of the all-electric ID.4 at its factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as it scrambles to find a fix for the faulty electronic door mechanism. According to the recall, water was seeping into the door and shorting out the electronics, causing the circuitry to issue a faulty “open command.”

The issue culminated this week with VW halting production of the all-electric ID.4

As a fix, VW said it would replace the door handles at no cost to the owners and would issue a software update to improve the “door parameters.”

VW Halts Production of ID.4 Due to Door Issues

Earlier this week, VW recalled nearly 100,000 ID.4 vehicles, as well as issued a stop-sale order for the electric crossover. Starting September 23rd, around 200 workers at the Tennessee factory will be furloughed as a result of the production pause, a spokesperson for the company said.

Recall and Repair Plan

As a fix, VW said it would replace the door handles at no cost to the owners and would issue a software update to improve the “door parameters.”

Impact on VW and Future Plans

“While we address the issue, we are focused on doing right by our employees, dealers, and consumers through this disruption,” said VW spokesperson Mark Gillies in a statement.

Future of Electric Vehicles at VW

Like most other automakers, VW has walked back from its EVs-only strategy in recent months, saying it will rely more on plug-in hybrids to achieve its climate goals. But Gillies said that the stop-production order shouldn’t be misconstrued as an abandonment of the company’s EV commitments.

Commitment to EVs and Conclusion

“This disruption in no way changes our commitment to the ID.4 and our growing BEV portfolio,” he said. “The ID.4 remains one of America’s best-selling electric vehicles.”

FAQs

Q: What caused the issue with the VW ID.4 doors?

A: Water seeping into the door and shorting out the electronics, causing the circuitry to issue a faulty “open command.”

Q: How is VW addressing the problem?

A: VW is replacing the door handles at no cost to owners and issuing a software update to improve the “door parameters.”

Q: What is the impact on production and employees?

A: VW halted production of the ID.4, recalled vehicles, and furloughed workers at the Tennessee factory.

Q: Does this affect VW’s commitment to electric vehicles?

A: VW remains committed to its EV portfolio despite the production pause.

Credit: www.theverge.com