Certain Volkswagen ID.4 models are being recalled due to separate hardware and software issues connected to the vehicle’s high-voltage battery system.
Owners are advised to restrict charging, avoid DC fast chargers, and park outside until repairs are completed. All fixes will be performed free of charge, with owner notifications scheduled for March 20, 2026.
Volkswagen wrapped up 2025 on a high note with the ID.4, posting a 31-percent year-over-year sales increase to 22,373 units. However, the electric crossover is entering the new year facing two separate recalls.
One recall addresses a software-related concern, while the other expands an existing safety campaign tied to a hardware issue involving misaligned electrodes within the high-voltage battery cell modules. In more severe scenarios, this defect could raise the risk of a battery fire.
Volkswagen’s investigation into the matter began after multiple thermal incidents were reported across several states starting in early 2024. The automaker initially issued a recall last December covering 311 model-year 2023–2024 ID.4 vehicles (25V836) after tracing the issue to a manufacturing quality deviation involving supplier SK Battery America, Inc.
The expanded recall, identified as 26V028, now includes 670 vehicles built between November 3, 2022, and September 22, 2024. To remedy the issue, Volkswagen will replace the potentially affected high-voltage battery cell modules.
As with the earlier recall, owners are instructed to limit charging to 80 percent, avoid using Level 3 DC fast chargers, and park their vehicles outdoors immediately after charging until the repair is completed.
Meanwhile, the second recall addressing a software-related concern (26V030) impacts 43,881 model-year 2023–2025 ID.4 vehicles produced between September 2, 2022, and April 10, 2025.
According to the recall documentation, the absence of Self-Discharge Detection (SDD) software in these vehicles could allow thermal propagation, increasing the risk of a fire. As part of the fix, Volkswagen dealers will inspect battery health, install the updated SDD software, and replace high-voltage battery cell modules if required.
Volkswagen plans to notify owners affected by both recalls on March 20, 2026. All necessary battery replacements and software updates will be completed at no cost to customers. The company also noted that it will not offer reimbursement, as the impacted vehicles are still covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
In the United States, the ID.4, manufactured at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga Assembly Plant in Tennessee, currently stands as VW’s only 2026 model-year electric vehicle offering, as the brand reportedly reassesses its approach to the ID. Buzz.
Competing against vehicles like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5, the ID.4 is available with either a 62-kWh or 82-kWh high-voltage battery. The larger battery pack provides an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 291 miles.
Looking ahead, Volkswagen is expected to refresh its compact electric crossover for the 2027 model year, with reports suggesting the introduction of new battery technology designed to further enhance efficiency and extend driving range.
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