Why Does VW ID4 Get Such a Bad Rep? | 3 Year Owner Review

[@evhelphub]

Items from the video: *Splitvolt Level 2 Charger:* geni.us/home-portable-charger *TeslaTap (for Tesla destination chargers):* geni.us/teslatap *Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires:* geni.us/id4-rear-tires-20-in

[@jow.6605]

We have had our 2023 ID.4 for 17 months and have driven 28000 Km. We have not had any software issues, and really like the car. We would recommend this car.

[@PedroBrandaodrums]

My lease is due next month I’ll definitely buy it out love my ID.4 2021 no issues at all. Great video

[@evhelphub]

Awesome to hear! Thanks for continuing to watch my videos, I appreciate it!

[@salocin911]

please check back in with us and let us know what the residual wound up being for you to buy it. I'm very curious

[@PedroBrandaodrums]

@@salocin911 My residual was around $21K, and with taxes and some document fees, the final price came to about $23K. It was a no-brainer for me since the car has only 28K miles, and I’ve been the sole owner. No issues whatsoever, so I plan to keep it until it dies!

[@jvalenti370]

Thank you! This video mirrors precisely my experience as the owner of a 2021 ID.4 Pro S with heat hump. We really enjoy our ID.4 and we'll certainly be keeping it definitely.

[@evhelphub]

Great to hear your ID4 ownership is going well! Thanks so much for watching!

[@SonNguyen-cn9og]

I'm always getting 3.7-3.8 kwh and at over 46,000 miles on my 2021 4 yr lease id4. Coast driving as much as possible. I'm glad someone beside me love the id4 since it came. Going for a used etron in May 2025 when I return this.

[@infernovideo]

Thanks for the balanced review. The one point you didn't mention at the end when recommending the ID.4 is the fact that the 2024 RWD has significantly more power, torque and efficiency than the 2021 as well as improved software.

[@evhelphub]

Thank you for the kind words and for watching. Ironically enough, I actually filmed and edited the 2024 model power/efficiency stats originally and cut them out to more the video a little more straight forward, since I haven't had a chance to drive the new ID4s, yet. But, you are completely right!

[@Call-me-James]

Some fun facts: (1) the seats can be adjusted to sit low on the floor, which is similar to the feel of sitting in a sports car. (2) The ID4 is one of the cheapest EVs to insure - probably because it is reliable and easy to repair. (3) in the 2023 and 2024 models don't have the software problems that plagued the earlier models.

[@tri0xin]

Excellent overview. I have the exact same one.. 1st edition white/white.. also put Crossclimate2's on at 25k miles, car still looks just about new. I have 40k miles now and would almost have the exact review as you other than software, I've had no issues.. it's not exactly fast but mine immediately connects to carplay and I rarely even use the VW software for anything, when I do for climate or car info it's seems fine. Also if I knew anyone interested I'd recommend a used one. You can get a '21 FE or S typically with a good year left of factory warranty for around 25k which would qualifty for the Used EV credit, so maybe around $20k which is awesome. One caveat.. I'd would never recommend considering this or any electric vehicle to someone that doesn't have a level 2 charger at their house.

[@evhelphub]

Glad to hear the ID4 is treating you well. Thanks for adding this feedback for others and for watching!

[@hereigoagain5050]

Great review! Hope your ID.4 provides years of enjoyable driving.

[@evhelphub]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@cottoncandyairbender]

Great video, super informative. Was this a reupload? Much of the content sounds familiar

[@evhelphub]

It was, sorry about that. I wanted to correct a few things with the original upload, including the battery degradation estimate, as well as cut the intro down a bit. Thanks for watching!

[@RonnyR123]

We have a 2022 id.4. runs perfect rides excellent. As for the (touch) controls, it seems very personal because I like the touch controls. They can work as a regular button or as a slide. 2 uses in 1, excellent. Also the window controls, I prefer the 2-buttons more than the 4 buttons I had on every previous car. With the 4 buttons, for sure most of the times I would open the wrong window. Now not anymore.

[@evhelphub]

Great to hear your ID4 is treating you well Ronny! Thanks for watching!

[@CNCChazz]

I took the plunge and bought a used ID4 from a VW dealership with 96k miles on it. So far I love this car, I am getting about 220 miles on a full charge and aside a tear in the back of drivers seat from previous owner the interior still looks amazing. I did buy a replacement seat cover from VW and will get around to replacing it soon. Yes the software is a bit annoying but I can live with it

[@evhelphub]

Congrats on your purchase! The ID4 has been a tank, so I think you'll get some good life out of it.

[@bjelinski1]

0:57 TMY 187in = 475cm, not 500cm, but the difference is still significant - more cargo (frunk bigger too), 1.6t on the hook in TMY.

[@evhelphub]

Yes, you are correct. Sorry about that. I clearly typed "197 inches" into the conversion tool. But the overall point of the ID4 being shorter but having a good amount of rear cargo is still true versus the other competitors.

[@msbgone]

Never seen corner lights like that.... nice overall.... good vid!

[@evhelphub]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikeooo616]

Thanks for the report, I ve just brought one in China.

[@evhelphub]

Congratulations on the new car! I hope you like it!

[@scottcarlson1692]

I unfortunately get to share my horrid experience with my 2022 ID4. Have had it for 2 years now and it has been in the shop for repairs a total of 5 of those months, including right now. The first issue appeared before I made the first payment on the car. The battery would not charge. We brought it in and it took a whole 3 months to get it fixed. Not sure if they had to replace the battery or some other component. I will add in the second "issue" with it going in for it's 10k and 20k "service". Both times they were unable to complete this basic service because something came up and they were unable to complete it. The 10k it took 3 days to get the car back and the 20k it took nearly a week to complete. This is on the dealerships as they generally have only one person to work on these vehicles. The third issue is currently ongoing. I received an error message saying there was a critical error in the electrical system. Not sure what component it was that needed to be fixed, but they had to order the part from Germany and we are currently at 4 weeks and counting as of today. Other issues that have come up, as noted in the video here, is the connectivity between the phone and the vehicle sometimes does not work. No idea why but the next day you can come out and it works fine. Other issue I have had is with the display. It had a habit of turning itself off and restarting while driving. With the latest software update i have not had that issue repeat. Once I receive my ID4 back I am just going to get rid of it.

[@evhelphub]

Sorry to hear that, Scott! It sounds like you might have gotten a lemon. I don't blame you for wanting to get into something else. What are you looking at?

[@Barry-l1x]

Please when it comes to reporting on cars, only listen to people that actually drive them, I have seen many comments from people that obviously have never been inside one.

[@C4H6As]

I would like to know, what made designer and technicians prefer such things like glossy finish and touch buttons all over. Have they ever used their products for a longer period? And it seems to be extremely hard for them to say goodbye to such features, even though customers and reviewers critcize them from the day they arrived.

[@RonnyR123]

The touch buttons work great, once you used tot them, wouldn't want to mis them anymore

[@evhelphub]

I don't hate all touch buttons, it's just the implementation. For example, the touch buttons on Tesla's new steering wheels work great because they require a little pressure to turn on. The buttons in the ID4 will activate with the slightest touch. That's really the problem there. For the gloss black, yeah, I don't get it. It looks good in photos, but I have never liked it in any car.

[@mikefreed1281]

I'd be interested in knowing more about the Tesla Tap adaptor. Specifically, I wonder if by using it you violate the car's warranty. Any input?

[@evhelphub]

If, for some reason it caused a charging issue or even an extremely unlikely event like melting the port and VW could prove it was caused specifically by the adapter, that is where out of pocket expense from the owner would come in. They can't void your warranty on the rest of the vehicle because of an aftermarket part, it's illegal.

[@DMulabiTalejan]

Lovely, we need more of these owner reviews. Byt why wouldnt you fully recommend this good car?

[@evhelphub]

Primarily due to the software issues. Some owners of the newer models have stated it has improved, but given VW's recent strategy and executive changes, I think they are still a bit behind. I encourage drivers who are thinking about the ID4 to give it a test drive and see how it goes. If the software is doable for you, it's an otherwise enjoyable vehicle to own!

[@AustinWyattPetersen]

Love your videos!

[@evhelphub]

To help preserve range, I only have them on the back and I have driven long distances with them. I haven't seen any notable loss (I've looked) and they last way longer than the OEM tires. We just had our 50k mile checkup and the cross climate2s still have another 20k miles on them at least (that would be around 50k total or more). I plan on switching the front over when they are due. Hope that helps!

[@AustinWyattPetersen]

@@evhelphub ❤ Thank you!

[@evhelphub]

No problem!

[@mattgerhard302]

When you changed to the Michelin Cross Climate 2 did you go square or staggered set up? if Squared what size tire did you choose all around?

[@evhelphub]

Hey Matt, I still have a staggered tire setup. The wear has been drastically reduced, and it looks like I'm going to get 60k-70k+ miles off the rear MCC2s. Very happy with the switch!

[@mattgerhard302]

@@evhelphub AWESOME! will have to try them

[@SonNguyen-cn9og]

Oh I also hate the software update. They took away my auto lane centering which I love and now miss. I have Pro S model.

[@SimonJHudson]

Useful video. The rubbish software is true across the VW range and only marginally worse than most German cars including the high end models. Germany REALLY needs to raise its game. You talked about range and battery, but I didn't hear anything about efficiency. How many miles per kWh can you expect in real world driving and what does it improve to in warmer weather and gentle driving?

[@evhelphub]

I provide long-term efficiency data at 6:37. I've also made a video on winter-weather highway range: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5vMo6GDgLB2mK8 You can read more about my real-world range tests here: evhelphub.com/id4-range/ Thanks for watching!

[@SimonJHudson]

@@evhelphub missed that, thanks!

[@timogronroos4642]

New 2024 model in Europe has miles better system, bigger, faster, better

[@joshuasauer1240]

Does the Tesla tap work at superchargers? I bought one and the paper in the box specifically says don’t use it at a Tesla station 🤔

[@evhelphub]

They are to be used at Tesla destination and Tesla home chargers only. TeslaTap should not be used at Tesla Superchargers nor can they handle the electrical power needed to work with them.

[@joshuasauer1240]

@@evhelphub gotcha so the level 2 Tesla stations and at home. I misunderstood, thank you!

[@Robert198675]

Hi @evhelphub what is the current software your 2021 is at?

[@evhelphub]

Hey Robert - I am on "0561" but it's 3.1, as I haven't received an OTA update yet. 😞

[@BryanBaecker]

I love mine too, but how annoying is the volume right and left (vs. up and down) on the steering wheel controls?

[@evhelphub]

Good point, Bryan. Some really odd design decisions for sure.

[@nealy2815]

Sounds like the ID4 is a solid and reliable car. The infotainment is said to be terrible though?

[@AlanTov]

Not now.

[@evhelphub]

That's accurate. I've heard the newer models have better software, albeit still not the best. If anyone is interested, it's worth taking an ID4 for a test driver to see how it is. Otherwise, yes, it's been a great car. Thanks for watching!

[@johanlandman4097]

How long is life of the battery?

[@Barry-l1x]

I have ID5 2022, the software works well, I have had a over the air update. The only things I have found problems with is speech control and door touch locking these are not prefect, but a very nice comfortable car to drive you aways feel part of the car it’s very responsive. I would recommend them.

[@evhelphub]

@@johanlandman4097 Do you mean how many miles the battery will last? I can't say exactly, but they are required to be warranted up to 8 years/100k miles in the US.

[@ChrisLey]

Thank you for calling out the ridiculous welcome driver screen. So pointless. My window controls frequently do the opposite of what I want, do you have that same problem?

[@evhelphub]

Hey Chris - Yes, I recently learned how to fix both of these issues myself. For the driver welcome screen, you can fully reset the ID4's infotainment system and then avoid setting up a profile and you won't have to deal with the welcome screen anymore. To fix the windows getting out of sync, do this: roll all of them down. Then, one by one roll them and hold the button up for an additional 5 seconds or so before letting and go and moving on to the next window. This should correct the behavior for a while. I hope that helps!

[@ChrisLey]

@@evhelphub thanks for the welcome screen tip! So much nicer now

[@evhelphub]

No problem!

[@SimonJHudson]

3.4 mi/kWh! Ouch. That's 15% worse than a Model 3 & 30% worse in the gentle driving+ mild weather scenario. Something else that Germany needs to massively improve.

[@evhelphub]

The new ID4 is rated for 3.8 mi/kWh, so it's getting better.

[@mart0225]

One is a sedan and another is a less aerodynamic crossover. The Model Y would be a better comparison.

[@salocin911]

does this car have a camp mode so you can sleep in it in the summer or the winter?

[@evhelphub]

You can turn on the AC or heater once you get into the car, though I'm not sure if it will run all night or not, but it doesn't have a camp mode unfortunately.

[@samjam6989]

​@@evhelphubput tge seatbelt locked in and it will work

[@thegoodstuff7987]

There's a KZbin video about this. You can kind of trick it using the pre-charger timer

[@johnanchor2415]

6-9% degradation in just a couple of years is absolutely abysmal! Anything above 2% is unacceptable and should be considered a faulty battery, unless it has been treated bad by user.

[@evhelphub]

This is across 3.5 years. EVs experience the most degradation the first year and it slows from there. What I am seeing with my ID4 is average in the worst case.

[@HaloNRW]

The Tesla ModelY is significantly better than the ID4 in every respect: Efficiency/Battery, Software/Entertainment/Updates, Charging network, Acceleration, Price/Performance

[@samjam6989]

No Tesla Y is not better in pricing, build quality, rider comfort, materials used and some people love car play or android auto over Tesla inforainment

[@kevinn1158]

I wouldn't touch any of the first 3 years of ID4s. Software is horrible. And now they've finally replaced the motors, and the software has been fixed. But boy that interior is cheap cheap cheap.

[@samjam6989]

The i terior is better than model Y

[@kevinn1158]

@@samjam6989 I just rented a Model Y. Its interior is really really cheap.