Recall 23V312 covers 35,325 2021-2022 Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles with water-damaged door-handle circuit boards. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 35,325 2021-2022 ID.4 vehicles because water can enter the door-handle circuit board and trigger an unexpected door opening during low-speed, high-lateral-force driving. A door that opens while the vehicle is moving increases injury risk, and Volkswagen dealers will inspect and replace the door handles free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The exterior door handles on the 2021-2022 Volkswagen ID.4 include electronic parts that talk to the door control unit. When a handle is pulled, the circuit board sends the open command so the latch releases that door. The handle has to keep water away from that circuit board for the signal to stay correct.
In NHTSA campaign 23V312, water can get into the printed circuit board assembly inside the handle. That water creates communication problems between the handle and the door control unit, so the system can read an open command even when no one has touched the handle. Under high lateral forces at speeds below 9 mph/15 kmh, that false command can cause a door to open unexpectedly.
If this condition is present, occupants can hear an audible clicking noise that sounds like a door locking or unlocking. Treat that clicking as the warning sign to report when you contact a Volkswagen dealer.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2021 and 2022 model years for the ID.4, with the same exterior door-handle component listed for each year.
| 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 | body structure |
| Units affected | 35,325 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 28 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving increases the risk of injury. If you hear repeated clicking like a door locking or unlocking, schedule service soon and make sure passengers keep doors fully latched until the vehicle is inspected. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free software update and door-handle inspection that addresses doors opening unexpectedly at low speed.
- Ask the dealer whether your ID.4 now needs service under replacement recall 24V-651, and reference recall number 23V312 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if Volkswagen mailed one, or bring your VIN and the recall number if you do not have the notice.
- Keep passengers clear of doors while driving until the repair is complete, and have the dealer inspect any loose or water-damaged exterior door handle.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician updates the vehicle software and checks the exterior door handles for water-related electrical issues. Any door handle work needed under the recall is performed free of charge, with parts and labor covered. Volkswagen says this recall was replaced by recall number 24V-651, so ask the service desk to confirm the current campaign before the repair order is written. Volkswagen is not offering reimbursement for this campaign.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| May 3, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 5, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| May 5, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 30, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 13, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V312?
Recall 23V312 covers 35,325 2021-2022 Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles with door handles that let water enter the circuit board assembly. Under high lateral forces at speeds below 9 mph/15 kmh, the doors can open unexpectedly. Volkswagen dealers update the vehicle software and inspect door handles for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific ID.4 is included in recall 23V312. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and reference recall 23V312, or Volkswagen recall numbers 57J5 and 57J8. The dealer software update and door-handle inspection are free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost, and Volkswagen's remedy says dealers will update the vehicle software and inspect the door handles as necessary free of charge at a franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an unexpected door opening while the vehicle is moving. Volkswagen reported that water entering the door-handle circuit board assembly can lead to door opening under high lateral forces at low speed, increasing the risk of injury.
When did Volkswagen notify owners about recall 23V312?
Volkswagen mailed owner notification letters on March 19, 2023. The recall repair is available, and Volkswagen also reported that recall 23V312 was replaced by recall 24V-651. A Volkswagen dealer can confirm the current repair path for your VIN.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V312000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V312 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V312000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →