Volkswagen is currently facing a potential class-action lawsuit over the capacitive touch buttons in the 2021-2023 ID.4 model. The complaint, filed in New Jersey by two owners, alleges that the steering wheel controls in the vehicle are defective for being too sensitive. It claims that the adaptive cruise control can easily be reactivated with just a light brush of the hand over the steering wheel’s haptic controls.
One of the owners recounted her experience with the ID.4 accelerating unexpectedly when pulling into a parking space after her hand accidentally brushed against the sensor. This incident resulted in over $14,000 in damage to the EV’s undercarriage and caused an injury to the driver’s hand. The other owner reported colliding with their garage while attempting to park, resulting in damage to both the garage door and the electric vehicle.
While only two individuals are named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit, the filing includes numerous complaints from other ID.4 owners submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These complaints highlight issues with unintended acceleration, failures in the emergency braking system, and injuries sustained from crashes allegedly caused by these problems. Many of the incidents occurred while drivers were parking, with some acknowledging that they may have inadvertently brushed against the sensitive button.
One complaint filed in August 2023 described a situation where the cruise control was inadvertently activated by a light touch of the steering wheel, causing the car to accelerate without any pedal input. Fortunately, the driver was able to recognize the issue and apply the brakes to cancel the cruise control. However, not all drivers were as fortunate. Another complaint filed in January 2024 reported multiple instances of the car suddenly lurching forward while braking and parking, narrowly avoiding collisions with other vehicles.
The lawsuit alleges that Volkswagen has violated several warranty and consumer protection laws in Massachusetts and Connecticut due to this alleged defect. The automaker has already announced that it will discontinue the technology in its vehicles due to ongoing complaints. However, this action does not address the concerns of the current ID.4 owners on the road.
It is important for Volkswagen to address these issues promptly to ensure the safety of its customers and prevent further accidents and injuries. The class-action lawsuit underscores the importance of vehicle manufacturers prioritizing safety and reliability in their products to protect consumers and uphold industry standards.
