Amit Saraswat 
This is a major concern for modern cars where vital features like the speedometer and rearview camera and even air-con controls are displayed on the touchscreen. While the NHTSA report suggests the issue might be limited to these functions, there have been past instances of the entire screen going blank, rendering many vehicle features inaccessible.
The loss of the rearview camera alone is a safety hazard, forcing the recall. This isn’t the first time software woes have plagued VW’s ID.4. The electric vehicle has seen delays and issues since before its launch, and software bugs seem to be a recurring theme. Customer forums are filled with complaints about sluggish infotainment systems, and independent testing has highlighted usability problems.
Adding to the ID.4’s woes are previous recalls for unrelated software issues like unexpected power loss and doors opening on their own. There have even been recalls for leaky cabins, faulty wiring, and a fire risk from the sunshade.
The current screen issue also appears to require a physical fix at dealerships rather than a software update. Owners will be notified by July 12th to schedule a free repair with certified technicians. While the recall encompasses a large number of vehicles as a precautionary measure, VW claims only a small percentage are likely to experience the malfunction.
This latest recall is another blow to Volkswagen’s commitment to electric vehicles, a path it was forced onto after the “Dieselgate” emissions scandal. Regardless of your stance on Dieselgate, the ID.4’s problems raise concerns about VW’s ability to deliver reliable electric cars. The ID.4, based on the MEB platform and intended to be a high-volume global model, has been a source of trouble for VW right from the start.
Software problems seem to be a major hurdle for VW’s electric ambitions. The ID.4 isn’t the only model affected, with buggy infotainment systems being a common complaint across the ID lineup. This, coupled with the ID.4’s previous issues, raises questions about VW’s software development and quality control processes for its electric vehicles.
