Volkswagen ID.4 Hit With Stop-Sale Order in North America Over Door Issue
Update: June 21, 2023 – The Door issue has been fixed on every ID.4. Save on your next lease or Purchase on the ID.4
Volkswagen’s foray into the electric vehicle (EV) world has hit another roadblock with the ID.4, the only EV the company currently sells in the United States, being hit with a stop-sale order. The order affects 18,000 ID.4 cars in the U.S. and Canada due to reports of doors unexpectedly opening while the car is in motion. In this article, we will discuss the details of the issue and its impact on Volkswagen’s EV ambitions.
The Door Issue
The stop-sale order on the ID.4 is related to an issue with the door handles. Water can leak into the door handle assemblies, causing them to open unexpectedly while the car is in motion. Earlier this year, the ID.4 was also recalled for random power loss. The issue appears to be limited to ID.4s built in Tennessee, with those sold in Europe and China not affected by the stop-sale order.
Impact on Volkswagen's EV Ambitions
The ID.4 is a critical vehicle for Volkswagen’s EV ambitions in North America, as it is currently the only electric vehicle the company sells in the region. The stop-sale order is yet another setback for Volkswagen, as it struggles to establish itself in the competitive North American electric car market. The company’s electrified ID line has struggled to gain traction in North America, with most of its models not yet available in the region. The stop-sale order on the ID.4 could lead to more customers turning to other brands that can sell them a car immediately.
The Path Forward
Volkswagen has stated that it is working on a fix for the issue and expects to resume sales of the ID.4 soon. However, the company has not provided a specific timeline for when sales will resume. In the meantime, Volkswagen customers who are interested in an all-electric vehicle can explore other options, such as the Volkswagen e-Golf or the Audi e-tron. Volkswagen will need to develop a fix quickly to prevent customers from turning to other brands for their electric vehicle needs.
Conclusion
The stop-sale order on the ID.4 due to the issue with its door handles is the latest hurdle the company has faced in its attempt to establish itself in the North American electric car market. While the issue appears to be limited to a specific region and model, it is still a setback for Volkswagen. The company will need to develop a fix quickly to prevent customers from turning to other brands for their electric vehicle needs. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
