10,000 Miles in the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 | 2021 VW ID.4 Long Term-Test Update | The Good & the Bad

[@edmundscars]

The ID.4 experience is one of peaks and valleys; we love how it drives, but the user experience drives us up a wall. What's more important to you? Let us know in the comments below!

[@naveenthemachine]

I’d take an ioniq5 but I’d absolutely pick this over the worst evs on sale

[@Wasabi9111]

I’m surprised it hasn’t left. You stranded due to software glitches like it has with many other owners. Sold ours immediately after it wouldn’t drive twice within the first week of ownership. It was a piece of junk. Worst car experience ever.

[@scottvickery2057]

@@Wasabi9111 What did you replace it with?

[@Lascarnn]

Which software version were you using? 3.2 is a game changer, to be honest, lots of issues have been fixed and features provided.

[@normt430]

@@Wasabi9111 new software update!

[@jo66hn41]

We've just bought a 2023 ID.4 Pro and have driven it for about a month. The driving experience has been excellent. Smooth acceleration, nice handling and super quiet in the cabin. Build quality is excellent with no panel gaps or poor interior fit out. Apple Carplay and Android Auto have worked flawlessly. That being said the UI isn't great. It has worked fine but it's just not very intuitive. If VW can come up with a UI that makes a little more sense then they have quite a car on their hands. All up we really love our ID.4.

[@nothere572]

Have a 2023 ID.4 and absolutely love it. Has had zero issues, not even with software, drives great, has good range, charges great, roomy, and the newer software is much better.

[@114D]

How much you pay? Help a brother out…

[@ivanprotasov9746]

What software is in your car installed?

[@Demobot1]

​@@ivanprotasov9746Should be 3.2.

[@Porsche996driver]

That’s right, great ride!

[@samjam6989]

You need to drive it for 4 to 5 more years to really know what you got.

[@_dionisio]

I have an European 2021 ID.4 with 3.0 Over The Air software. It works great now. It is a good car that, nevertheless, had several noticeable issues at the beginning. There are no software bugs anymore and, for example, Travel Assist works great now: it follows the road curves very accurately and the steering wheel turns smoothly (in this aspect, comparable to the Tesla SFD). After 1 year and 4 month I can say that the car is worth it.

[@PedroBrandaodrums]

I have a ID.4 2021 Pro S driving experience is amazing, quiet ride, no issues at all. Car is fantastic for everyday drive. Did 2 road-trips from Boca Raton, FL to Charlotte with no issues. It’s my first EV car moving from gas cars.

[@HanFollo]

Agreed. Have driven ours for almost a year. Amazing driving experience.

[@PedroBrandaodrums]

@@HanFollo awesome

[@mrgainey]

Very close on pulling the trigger on a 21 myself. I can see these software issues aggravating me over time, but still leaning towards it based on the enjoyable test drive.

[@---ge9cq]

I bought mine 8 months ago and I’m super happy, my experience has been fantastic; great size, amazing torque, good suspension, super quit and the look and feel is perfect.

[@imSincerePromise]

I’ll show you something with a great size, looks and feels perfect with the right amount of torque when the suspension have us bouncing up and down

[@chrisl22182]

I got one of these right before Christmas. I have 4450 miles on it and no software issues. Some things require more touches than they should, like changing stations on the radio, but not really the climate control. Just set it on auto and touch the “buttons” to raise and lower the temp. The travel assist works very well, once I’m on the highway, I don’t need to steer or work the pedals, and that’s with lots of curves and stop and go traffic. Where I live, teslas are extremely common, and I didn’t want the same thing as everyone else. You do give up is a little range, I have the awd and I only get about 265. It’s a good car if you want something different.

[@HanFollo]

Yes, the adaptive cruise control on VW ID. series works really well.

[@Ibar3735]

I don't know why everyone freaks out about the window buttons. Every reviewer is always driving by themselves yet whining that they can't roll down the back windows easily... but why and who, when driving solo, needs to roll down the rear windows? I own an ID.4 and don't find it a bother at all. When my kids are in the car with me in the back, they can roll down the windows on their own.

[@SssshirazzzZ]

agreed, a very overblown point.

[@FurryFriendsTube-du7gb]

any issues with your touch screen?

[@zonraNboy]

Same feelings. Pretty much all the "bad" things about the car tells me it's pretty perfect car if they have to make up those pointless "problems". Windows rolling down when pressing keyfob, I've had it in all my cars past 13 years, and not once have it been a problem. Every software crashes sometimes. Automatic climate control doesn't need adjusting the temperature manually. It's called automatic for a purpose. If people want buttons, why don't they just get an old car with a lot of manual levers and buttons to adjust them while driving. I'm getting really interested in ID4 now. Yet to find out anything bad at it. It looks better than any EV I've ever seen.

[@agustinjimenezrodriguez7803]

@@zonraNboyyes, nice vehicle 👌🏼

[@jayteesgear]

This is SO HELPFUL! Ive been very drawn to these but with those user errors Im not even going to take time to look at it

[@scooterjsl]

I think being aware of the issues, I still feel Comfortable purchasing an AWD, Pro S this summer

[@Porsche996driver]

Nice - did you get it yet?

[@BudgetGamerz]

The window going down when holding the unlock button is not only a volkswagaon feature.

[@LiohJuney]

I was about to say my BMW does that along with the sunroof. You have to intentionally hold down the button in order to do so. Unless the key fob is capacitive, I think someone or something was on the button. Especially if it only happened one time.

[@nothere572]

Yeah I don’t know why that was a complaint with the car, seemed like user error to me

[@DeckAndBlackerDJs]

I had the same thing happen to my Skoda just when... it had been snowing that night. Always turn this feature off as soon as I can whenever I get a new VW group car now. It has nothing to do the with ID.4, that's true, but I still find a really niche feature to put as a default functionality right on the key fob, just curious to see who uses this so often honestly...

[@BudgetGamerz]

@@DeckAndBlackerDJs but you are saying vw group cars... Even Fords do this.

[@LeFennecFox]

Also you can turn it off in the car settings

[@DMulabiTalejan]

We URGENTLY need a car video titled "a car is not a phone" !!!!

[@HanFollo]

The main advantage of the steering wheel touch sensitive buttons is swiping. You don’t need to look down or fidget when you swipe. It took me by surprise when I realized this is how those sensitive buttons are intended to be used. It’s amazingly intuitive to use, when you need to adjust ACC cruising speed or sound volume or skip songs. You just swipe your thumbs across the middle of the small panels , super easy and effortless, no need to look down or find the right buttons. It’s a pity those buttons are misunderstood.

[@RiceHatSamurai]

I bought a VW id4 hot wheel so far I have had no issues besides the braking when I sent it across the patio table and it fell off and scratched on the concrete

[@bullit199]

3:51 It's funny you show all 4 windows going down at the same time but you don't show that to do that you hold the "REAR" button for about 2 seconds and it starts flashing, then you tap the drive window and all 4 windows will go down. It stays flashing for about 5 seconds and you could hit passenger up and all 4 will go up.

[@TYAC_red]

This is very informative as I'm considering buying this for my parents. The "CLIMA" system is the deal breaker.

[@anthonyxuereb792]

Did the wet interior upset the electrics and is it better to simply plug in your phone for more reliable connectivity? In my car if I hold the button down long enough it closes all the windows.

[@Enrico_Palazzo82]

The car is good! the New update is great

[@paulcosta5854]

It kills me how people are saying that $41K is a low price for a car.

[@wardagainstuber]

Android auto issues are most likely a google side issue if youve had it work before. Google pushes random updates that breaks things more than it fixes

[@anthonyxuereb792]

Interesting, I wonder how many of us even consider that instead of always blaming the company

[@nothere572]

Yes, I have had issues with Android Auto connection in multiple cars from multiple brands, Apple CarPlay has been solid though, in our ID.4 it picks up your phone almost immediately wirelessly and we’ve had no issues

[@safa1745]

I have 2022 id 4 pro s and I love ot! I had no issues with it at all!

[@oobbyb]

I wouldn't hold my breath on that software update. I've been waiting 20 months.

[@normt430]

It is here now!

[@empiirik]

The unexpected windows roll-down case recalled me of my own experience with my 2010-built Opel Astra. One winter morning I discovered that all windows were rolled down during the heavy snowfall. And I'm sure I didn't touch my keyfob at all.

[@benjaminschneider4555]

With buttons on the ignition key to open all the windows, Volkswagen has been doing this for a long time. He was already with my Golf 3.

[@benjaminschneider4555]

It's actually a practical thing.

[@yuriytopin8040]

I heard a few times about the rear windows buttons problem, but I have another problem. In 99% I open windows without looking and instead of front, I open rear window (changed few cars of different brands). I think for some part of clients it could be good feature to have only 2 buttons.

[@Mike.Macmyazka]

In regards to the auto down feature with the windows…my 2016 Fusion SE with tech package has that and I did the same thing when I bought the car. Didn’t know it was enabled and must have had the key in my pocket while I napped. Woke up and wasn’t aware until the guy from my town’s city hall messaged me and told me. It was snowing that day. Learned how to turn that off immediately and it’s been off since then. Probably handy down south when it is super hot but not in MN.

[@stevekight1955]

I love my 2023 ID 4. The windows can be opened by holding the unlock button and closed by holding the lock button.

[@chopsueykungfu]

My 2021 ProS now has 80k miles, and software 3.1 updated earlier this year, makes it run a bit better - but I never had any problems.

[@mercedesbenzfw5219]

Do the Carplay and Android Auto issues persist if you use the wired connection to connect or is it all through the wireless connection?

[@keangfamily]

The in car GPS sucked but apple CarPlay GPS is excellent.

[@sutikno917]

it could be a consideration for purchasing because the price is cheaper and the specs are almost the same as competitors

[@gzman1]

wheres the wrap up video after the update?

[@nws1980]

I share your pros and cons 100% - I have exactly this car (and same color)😅

[@ccsocal768]

Last I heard, 41k is A LOT OF MONEY! 🤔🤔🤔

[@K03sport]

yes, it is and will barely get an Integra A-spec or WRX (but not a WRX-GT). you can't even get a Golf-R for $41k

[@paulcosta5854]

@@japanwatchconnection I make six figs and I still think this is too much for what it is. A gas car of the same size and equal specs costs half the price and without all the issues. I don't work to buy over-priced things just to keep up with the trends. I'm not into financial gaslighting and won't follow the school of thought that $41K is cheap for a car just because an "influencer" says so.

[@robertt1336]

I heard VW discontinued software updates for many owners a while back. Believe they were taking way too long to update and the process was not going smoothly for the dealerships. I’m sure they will get Edmunds’ taken care of tho 🤷‍♂️

[@normt430]

The latest software update came first of April. Owners seem pleased.

[@aleckinch1199]

any idea what the 3rd , & 4th , 30k 40k inspections cost that aren't covered by VW?

[@aleckinch1199]

Of course they cover the fist 2 where nothing is needed....lol.....i.yi.yi......cars...

[@Chaos173xxx]

I have the ID4 2023 model with 3.1 software and have no software issues. In the 6 months I have had it, at no point has it been necessary to roll down the rear windows, so I really can´t see the problem with the lack of bottons. The volume it controled at the steering wheel, but if you insist on using the bar under the screen, just slide it and it doesn´t matter where you hit it. Same with the temp control.

[@JarodJohn]

Have 33k miles on my 21 pro s and it's been an absolute nightmare. Worst car by far I've owned. Suspension issues, ac control module failed from factory, faulty 12 v battery, and infotainment system is absolute garbage. I know there is a planned update, but my wife got it on hers and it's a very lack luster update. The current issue is there is a recall pending for a software bug that may cause lost of propulsion during driving. On top of all that seats are wearing out and cracking despite not using them, and a similar story on leather steering wheel starting to crack. While everyones dealer will be different but the two dealers in my area have been slow and frequently have to bring vehicle in multiple times before issues are actually fixed. Extremely poor ownership experience overall.

[@dantribby199]

I'll give you 5 bucks for it

[@Brianfightingmad]

So you actually own a tesla?

[@Demobot1]

This is why you never buy the first gen of anything.

[@AustinWyattPetersen]

When is the next update video?

[@gesp5151]

Interesting you say you only like the drive. Replicates my experience of the Cupra Born EV platform which is incredibly poor. Never meets the technical specifications on official website which VW seems to think are “a range” (albeit a range it never gets in to). I’d avoid VW, much better options and continued feeling they’ve not learnt from Dieselgate

[@davescott1491]

No knobs no deal. Other than that, pretty nice vehicle.

[@M1911jln]

VW used to have excellent interiors and switchgear. VW completely ruined the switchgear on the ID4 and the GTI. I simply won't consider these cars as a result.

[@Mike.Macmyazka]

Hopefully they’ll use the feedback from consumers and go back to something a little more traditional in the future. Companies have been experimenting with this stuff for more than a few years and they’ve all pretty much undone some of these mistakes. Volume and tuning knob is one of the most common. Just look at Honda. I doubt it will be an immediate change but maybe by mid-cycle refresh they will do something about it. A lot of great things that I like about both of those vehicles but that’s why I’m more interested in the Jetta Sport or GLI myself. Then again, VW interiors don’t compare to years ago in terms of quality. It seems to be the thing they’ve gotten rid of in order to keep their cars competitively priced.

[@nothere572]

To disregard an entire car simply because of subpar infotainment controls is dumb

[@K03sport]

@@nothere572...funny, ppl write off (all) Mazda's for this very feature. personally, I think Mazda's infotainment is fine, but everyone else who changes sources every few minutes, it isn't good enough because it isn't touch screen when the car is in motion....so why can't ppl write off VWs for crappy infotainment, crappy (touch) buttons and/or the lack there of....

[@nicholassmith7048]

​@Bugs yeah, prioritizing something you use every single time you drive the car is dumb...

[@anthonyc5393]

@@nothere572 Eh, fair maybe if you just sit and drive, but for me, I change radio stations constantly, crank up the climate then lower the fan... and I drive a lot. On my '16 Volvo, I never even have to look down to do those functions. I sat in an ID4 at Carmax, for 45 minutes today playing with the system, HOPING the reports were an exaggeration. They are not. I realized I'd have crashed 10 times trying to change the climate IF I'd been attempting to drive and do those things in the ID4, in motion.

[@Porsche996driver]

31’ turning radius vs 40’ in a depla Why lol. That’s a safety issue needing almost 50% more room to make a U-turn. That’s why they call it a Y-turn??!! 😅

[@martinellisbritten-jones6156]

Had one now three weeks, brand new. Issues with charging. Now warning not to drive and visit workshop notice on car. Worse car buying decision we ever made.

[@aaronchristensen796]

Thinking of purchasing a EV (maybe an id 4) but we are snowbirds and would be leaving it behind outside in the cold North Idaho winters. Is storing it 4 months in the cold bad for the battery health, should that be left plugged in? Any help would be appreciated, we can't seem to find any info on this subject. Thanks!

[@normt430]

Like storage for any EV for extended period of time. Charge to 80% and unplugged.

[@farcinue]

Bring back physical buttons in cars! It’s like car designers designed their interfaces from a desk and not while driving.

[@PhillyDee215]

🤔Two switches for four windows.....maybe they were trying to save weight

[@K03sport]

is the I.D.3 two doors? since the '4 is based on the' 3, that might explain the two buttons and toggle switch...

[@chowsquid]

The explainer from VW was most people don’t roll down the rear windows. Or very rarely. I actually do it even if I’m driving alone if I want some air but not the wind in my face.

[@PhillyDee215]

@@chowsquid yeah me too.....

[@jg11596]

touch only controls should be made illegal in road vehicles. Mechanical buttons, knows, and switches should be mandatory

[@donastradamous031]

Do yall think about people that live in apartments 🤔 too

[@donastradamous031]

@japanwatchconnection so ignorant 🙄

[@K03sport]

in all honesty, the car looks as exciting (to own) as a 2.0L (115hp) Mk3 Golf GTI...meaning not very exciting at all

[@Indy_at_the_beach]

Every ID4 owner has been waiting for that hallowed day when software that actually works, drops.

[@nothere572]

2021 owners* 2022 and 2023 owners (including myself) mostly think the new software 3.1 on those models is good

[@normt430]

Update is first of April 2023!

[@JoshuaCollins]

It's in the name: this car identifies as having four window buttons. 😄

[@Adam_Rosenberg91]

How do we get the message across to VW, that we WANT physical buttons, not this.

[@K03sport]

give them 1 star on new car surveys...

[@roguedogx]

3:46 a.k.a. the stuff VW use to be known for.

[@dannybriseno-yb3wj]

Driven my ID.4 for 30k miles….catch up

[@guse1219]

If you want to ensure that you have software issues and UX issues, do a KZbin review of a car.

[@L3x4Pr0ne]

The disaster of an infotainment system is a dealbreaker. You interact with it just too much for phones to be disconnecting, mileage to be that far off, OTA updates that don’t end up being OTA. It’s clear VW is still over their head in this department, which is nuts considering how long they’ve been doing this.

[@Demobot1]

Have you driven the 2023 model?

[@scottvickery2057]

A nice, but expensive, 2nd car

[@alihakimi1707]

All these criticisms are pretty ridiculous

[@billsheehy1]

Great review but VW reliability is questionable at best. Sticking with my Lexus ES. Not one problem ever

[@gesp5151]

My experience entirely- doesn’t perform as per technical specifications so I got rid (VW Cupra Born ev). My boss has just realised his id4 doesn’t do what they said it would!

[@MrNemo721]

Looks like VW didn't care about automotive reviewers' and consumers' feedback. They put the same crappy infotainment in the new Atlas and Crossport regardless even after saying they would change it for future models based on the ID4 backlash

[@nothere572]

Those cars were in development and finalized before they said they’re going back to other controls

[@gesp5151]

Yes, VW’s engagement and their retailers engagement was appalling.

[@rkalla]

My takeaway from this review: "... at least it's terrible!" 🤔

[@Porsche996driver]

The 2023 are great and the dash is much quicker. No CarPlay issues, don’t get an android lol.

[@CMCNestT]

That it is similar to crappy ICEv is not a good thing.

[@theprofessor8517]

So did you guys just fire these "editors" / "contributors"? No followup on this video. What "software" update did you get? They have kept the USA stuck on 3.1.0 for a year now. No fixes. And there have been some recalls - especially with their crappy handles. The software is a decade behind and horrific. Also Munro has done a WAY better job of reviewing this car that you guys could dream of. Try harder.

[@ScoobieDoo-zy1rh]

Had software issues with this and never recommend it to anyone .

[@empiirik]

The electric car makers' obsessive approach to buttons is awkward and unreasonable. All philosophy seems wrong. Like Tesla, that strives to get rid of as many physical buttons as possible, which makes the driver's experience clumsy and unsatisfactory. VW's approach seems pretty unbaked on that. They have been thought like there should be some buttons there, but let's put them less than usual. Putting just three buttons (left and right and front and rear) for opening and closing windows is outright silly.

[@dnice362]

This isn’t AWD? Criminal

[@normt430]

But...Best consumption (kWh/100 miles): 20.8!

[@nikolaospap80]

So you driving an electric car and the 90% of the presentation is about the multimedia and touch buttons??? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@billshoe22191]

What a disaster

[@thewireman134]

Everything about the inside looks like a poor man's Chevy Bolt.

[@thewireman134]

@japanwatchconnection go drive a Bolt and you may understand... this vw is horrid

[@JK.Wisconsin]

Typical Volkswagen junk, no idea why anybody would buy a VW product.

[@pepeshopping]

What a cheap cheap cheap interior.

[@benjaminschneider4555]

But the steering wheel does not fall off😉

[@keangfamily]

The VW ID.4 Pro S is very nice interior and big glass moon roof with power shade.

[@Kmelnuk1]

Tech is all that matters and ID.4 falls so short. It’s why iPhone dominates and so does Tesla! Buy the right one like millions do. Tesla all the way.

[@Ibar3735]

"iPhone dominates"... I laughed out loud!

[@Demobot1]

Actually, iPhones don't dominate. The 2021 ID.4 is trash. The 2023 is worth the buy.

[@justinstewart3248]

@japanwatchconnection I put 26k miles on my model y in 18 months. No maintenance, flawless, easy operation. Best car ive ever had. No cae is perfect, but garbage is just you being a shit talker. I’m sorry your experience wasn’t great. Most people do find happiness with their teslas.

[@dresmith]

This car is complete trash. I luckily just finally wrapped up my lemon law case with VW so I’m more than excited to be surrendering this car back to them soon.

[@RuggerTinker]

Or maybe you dont know how to use the windows control. The update for the touch screen is awesome. Americans are so basic.

[@specialcookday]

There is one true ID4. It's when Presid Whitmore gives speach 2 fight back on ID4 day against allen. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@johnnybravo5044]

EV trash like all EVs.