Volkswagen is currently facing a potential class-action lawsuit over the capacitive touch buttons in the 2021-2023 ID.4. The complaint, filed in New Jersey by two owners, alleges that the steering wheel controls in the vehicle are defective for being overly sensitive. According to the plaintiffs, the touch buttons can easily reactivate the adaptive cruise control with just a light brush of the hand over the steering wheel’s haptic controls.
One of the owners recounted an incident where their ID.4 accelerated unexpectedly while pulling into a parking space after their hand brushed against the sensor. This accident resulted in over $14,000 in damage to the EV’s undercarriage and caused an injury to the driver’s hand. Another owner collided with their garage while attempting to park, causing damage to the door and the electric vehicle.
Although only two individuals are named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit, the filing includes numerous complaints filed by other ID.4 owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These complaints highlight issues of unintended acceleration, failures in the emergency braking system, and injuries resulting from crashes caused by these alleged problems. Many incidents occurred while drivers were maneuvering to park, with several acknowledging that they may have inadvertently brushed against the button.
One such complaint filed in August 2023 describes a scenario where the cruise control was unintentionally activated by a light touch of the button on the steering wheel, causing the car to accelerate without the driver’s input. Another complaint from January 2024 detailed instances where the vehicle lurched forward unexpectedly while braking and pulling into a parking spot, narrowly avoiding collisions.
The lawsuit alleges that Volkswagen has violated several warranty and consumer protection laws in Massachusetts and Connecticut due to this alleged defect. In response to the complaints, the automaker has announced that it will discontinue the technology in its vehicles. However, this decision does not address the concerns of current ID.4 owners who are already on the road with the potentially faulty touch buttons.
As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how Volkswagen will address the issues raised by the lawsuit and ensure the safety of its customers. The company’s decision to phase out the technology in question may prevent future incidents, but it leaves existing owners of the ID.4 in a precarious position. It is crucial for Volkswagen to take responsibility for any defects in its vehicles and to prioritize the safety and well-being of its customers.
