VWs Recalled for Doors Opening on Their Own

Volkswagen recalled nearly 100,000 electric SUVs because certain of the vehicles’ doors can open spontaneously, exposing occupants or those outside to risk of injury.

Door handles on the 2021 to 2024 ID.4 may not meet factory specifications to prevent water from leaking into them, according to a notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Any leakage into the handles’ circuit board assemblies can cause the door opening, as it creates miscommunication between the handle and its control unit that an “open” command has been given.

The problem can call attention to itself through a clicking noise like a door being locked or unlocked, the notice says. If a consumer hears the telltale sound, VW urges them to contact their local dealer for an inspection.

Some of the ID.4s in question were recalled earlier over the issue. VW dealers will now inspect the vehicles and replace their door handles if needed, along with updating ID.4 software.

The German automaker’s North American unit is scheduled to mail recall notices to consumers on Nov. 1.

The ID.4 is Volkswagen’s first fully electric SUV.

MODEL LAUDED: VW Gets High Safety Marks