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Volkswagen and Audi are recalling certain electric vehicles due to a gear position indicator that may not display correctly. This issue could cause a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not engaged, raising the risk of a crash. The affected models are the 2021-2023 Volkswagen ID.4 and the 2022-2023 Audi Q4 e-Tron and Q4 e-Tron Sportback. A free software update for the brake control unit is available to fix the problem, and owners will receive notification letters by mail.
Key Highlights:
- Affected models: 2021-2023 Volkswagen ID.4, 2022-2023 Audi Q4 e-Tron, and Q4 e-Tron Sportback
- Issue: Gear position indicator may not display correctly
- Risk: Vehicle rollaway if parking brake not engaged, increasing crash risk
- Remedy: Free software update for brake control unit
- Number of affected vehicles: 60,490
- Recall numbers: Volkswagen: 97H3, Audi: 454R
The recall stems from a problem where, under certain conditions, the “N” (neutral) gear position may not appear on the instrument cluster when it should. This could confuse drivers about the vehicle’s actual gear, potentially leading to dangerous situations. The recall report states: “Failure to display the gear position may result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.” This fault violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 102, which sets requirements for transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and braking effect.
Owners should expect notification letters around April 25, 2025. After receiving the letter, they can visit an authorized Volkswagen or Audi dealer to have the brake control unit software updated at no cost. Until then, owners are urged to always use the parking brake when parking to avoid rollaway risks. Volkswagen and Audi identified this issue through field reports and testing, confirming the need for a software fix.
For assistance, contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Owners can also reach the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or visit www.nhtsa.gov for more details. This recall affects 60,490 vehicles, and the updated software ensures the gear indicator displays accurately, enhancing safety.
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