YearToAvoid

2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 17 steering complaints for the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, 5% of that year's 333 total complaints, linked to 6 crashes and 2 injuries. A related recall (21V852000) covers a steering gear with an incorrectly assembled or missing drive bushing. Median mileage at failure was 39,328.5.

Steering complaints
17
5% of 333
Crashes reported
6
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
39,329 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden loss of steering response while braking or maneuvering at low speed, sometimes accompanied by unintended forward lunging.
  • Some describe the steering wheel becoming loose or unresponsive near center after extended highway driving with cruise control engaged, then returning to normal once cruise control is turned off.
  • Several report the electronic console going black and losing steering, accelerator, or possibly brake control momentarily while backing out or moving at low speed.
  • Owners describe Lane Keeping Assistance steering the car toward a barrier or wrong direction when a freeway lane splits into an off-ramp.
  • One owner reports the haptic steering wheel controls activating unintentionally from light contact while turning the wheel.

When 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 steering complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 27, 2021, latest Apr 27, 2026.

2021 Volkswagen ID.4 steering complaints: complaints filed per month2Sep 2021Mar 2022Oct 2022Jul 2023Sep 2023Sep 2024May 2025Apr 2026
17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2021 to Apr 2026; peak Jun 2022 (2).

Steering recalls for the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

  1. NHTSA 21V852000Nov 3, 2021Steering1 vehicles

    Steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)

    Volkswagen Group of American, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling one 2021 ID.4 vehicle. The steering gear may have an incorrectly assembled or missing drive bushing.

    Risk: An incorrectly assembled or missing drive bushing may cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: A dealer will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 48Q7.

Steering complaints by ID.4 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 202117 (5%)
  2. 20224 (3%)
  3. 202313 (3%)
  4. 20240 (0%)
  5. 20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2021 VW ID.4 have?
NHTSA lists 17 steering complaints for the 2021 ID.4, which is 5% of the 333 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2021 VW ID.4?
Yes. Recall campaign 21V852000, reported November 3, 2021, covers a steering gear that may have an incorrectly assembled or missing drive bushing; a dealer replaces the steering gear free of charge.
Have steering issues caused crashes on the 2021 ID.4?
NHTSA data tied to this steering complaint set shows 6 crashes and 2 injuries reported.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2021 ID.4?
The median mileage at failure among reported steering complaints is 39,328.5 miles.
Do later ID.4 model years have fewer steering complaints than 2021?
Yes. Steering complaints dropped to 4 (3% share) in 2022 and 13 (3% share) in 2023, compared to 17 (5% share) in 2021, with 0 reported in 2024 and 2025.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.