Dealer visit checklist
2023 Volkswagen ID.4 checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 4.4x more owner complaints than other 2023 SUVs
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 problems to check
- Infotainment software glitches and slow touchscreen response have been widely reported across 2023 model year units
- Intermittent charging port and DC fast-charging reliability issues, including failures to initiate charging sessions
- Over-the-air software update problems occasionally requiring dealer visits to resolve
- Wind and road noise intrusion at highway speeds noted by owners as higher than expected for the class
- Occasional 12V auxiliary battery failures that can strand the vehicle even with a full high-voltage pack
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION MOTOR: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- STRUCTURE: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:EXTERIOR: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $40,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away