VW ID.4 1(E21)
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Engine Overview
The VW ID.4 1 is available with 2 engine variants — from 150 to 340 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The VW Elektrisch (Elektro, 150–204 PS) comes with 2 different engines: APP310 (2020–2024, Be Careful) und APP310 (2020–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Elektrisch!
The VW GTX (Elektro, 340 PS) has the APP550-DM (0.0L Elektro Dual) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Brake discs: warping and hot spots from as early as 8,000 km Front brake discs warp due to poor quality brake pads generating uneven heat. Cases documented from as early as 8,000 km. Warranty rejection common despite low mileage. Replacement: 700–1,000 €. Symptoms: Steering wheel kicks when braking from high speed; vibrations in the brake pedal from approx. 100 km/h when braking from 20,000 km | Medium | |
| Emergency braking assist: false triggers and unexpected emergency stops Front Assist triggers falsely in car parks, when reversing near parking dividers, and in strong backlighting. Documented cases of complete emergency braking while reversing without any obstacle present. Symptoms: Vehicle brakes abruptly while reversing in car parks with no obstacle. Forward: emergency braking in strong backlighting or under bridges | ||
| Rear drum brakes: creaking and inspection faults Rear axle drum brakes generate unpleasant creaking noises from salt deposits, since electric vehicles rarely use mechanical braking. A braking force differential of over 41% has been documented as a 'standard fault' at roadworthiness inspection. Symptoms: Creaking or squealing when braking, especially after standing or salting; roadworthiness inspection failed due to drum brakes from 50,000 km | Low | |
| Brake pedal: vague transition from regenerative to hydraulic braking The eBKV distributes pedal travel between regeneration and hydraulics; under light braking the pedal responds very softly with an unclear pressure point. Not a defect but requires adjustment — typical of the MEB platform. Symptoms: Pedal travels very far under gentle braking without proportional deceleration; noticeable 'step' when transitioning to mechanical braking |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Smart #3 HX31
Kompakt-SUV (2024–2026)
Fiat 600e 600
Kompakt-SUV (2023–2026)
Hyundai Kona SX2
Kompakt-SUV (2023–2026)
Smart #1 HX11
Kompakt-SUV (2023–2026)
Volvo EX30 I
Kompakt-SUV (2023–2026)
Alfa Romeo Tonale 965
Kompakt-SUV (2022–2024)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 26 weaknesses have been documented for the VW ID.4 1 (2020–2026) — 13 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Brakes, Electronics, Body, Suspension.
ID.4 (APP310, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: OTA software update bricks vehicle, HV battery cell drift and module failure, 12V battery complete discharge. Power: 150 PS.
ID.4 (APP310, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: OTA software update bricks vehicle, HV battery cell drift and module failure, 12V battery complete discharge. Power: 204 PS.
ID.4 (APP550-DM, 2021–2024) — Be Careful: Elevated brake defects, Production-related power loss, On-board charger defect (AC charging). Power: 340 PS.
What to watch out for with the VW ID.4? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the VW ID.4 1 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used VW ID.4 1? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which VW ID.4 1 engine is the most fun? +
Is the VW ID.4 1 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the VW ID.4 1? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee