The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 is one of the big competitors in the electric SUV space, but it has its share of issues. In fact, despite being Volkswagen’s first EV offering in the U.S., the ID.4 has so many problems that Consumer Reports doesn’t recommend it. Here’s a look at the four reasons why Consumer Reports doesn’t like the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4.

Issues with the Volkswagen ID.4’s brakes and controls

According to Consumer Reports, one of the Volkswagen ID.4’s low points has to do with its brakes. The Volkswagen’s brakes work well, but the main problem is how the brake pedal feels. Consumer Reports describes the ID.4’s brakes as having a “soft, spongy feel,” meaning drivers may have to apply more pressure than usual to brake. 

Another problem has to do with the Volkswagen’s controls. Although the ID.4 has a nice interior, its controls are complicated to use. Basic functions like adjusting the seat heaters will need at least two steps to do anything. This is not only annoying, but it also means potentially having to take your eyes off the road, which is obviously unsafe. 

The infotainment features are also complex, but they have other issues. Consumer Reports said that, on top of being complicated, the ID.4’s touch screen takes a long time to boot up and is slow to respond. 

The VW ID.4’s motor whine and long charging times

One problem that this Volkswagen EV has is related to its electric motor. Like other EVs, the Volkswagen ID.4’s motor is practically silent, but this can be dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. That’s why some automakers add noise to an EV’s motors, but in the ID.4’s case, the noise is pretty annoying, according to Consumer Reports. That being said, this noise only triggers when the ID.4 is traveling between 15 to 20 mph. 

The last thing that Consumer Reports didn’t like about the ID.4 is its charging times. In terms of charging, the ID.4 is nothing special, and it has about the same capabilities as many other EVs have. It takes about 8.5 hours to charge to full from 25%, and it can be hooked up to a DC fast charger, but only at 135 kW. What this ultimately means, though, is that the ID.4 will have some very long charging times. 

The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 has some good things though

Those were four things that Consumer Reports doesn’t like about the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4, but Consumer Reports had some good things to say about the Volkswagen, too. For example, the Pro S trim gets a powerful 295-hp electric powertrain, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. That’s a relatively similar number as what the Ford Mustang Mach-E gets.

Additionally, while the ID.4’s electric motor has an annoying whine at low speeds, it’s otherwise a very comfortable car. Its interior is spacious, and Consumer Reports wrote that it has a “slightly upscale” feel. When its motor isn’t whining, the cabin is also very quiet. On top of that, the ID.4’s ride quality is also excellent.

Another thing that Consumer Reports liked is the simple fact that the ID.4 is a green machine. It provides 245 miles of range that won’t come at the cost of polluting the world. As a result, the ID.4 provides a nice and comfortable cruising experience for folks who want an EV.