After discovering a software bug that messes with gear displays, Volkswagen is pulling more than 60,000 electric vehicles off U.S. roads. The glitch might fool drivers into thinking they’re in park mode when they’re not—potentially letting cars roll away if the parking brake isn’t pulled.
The NHTSA announced Saturday, flagging it as an urgent safety concern. The recall covers several models:
- 2021-2023 Volkswagen ID.4
- 2022-2023 Audi Q4 e-Tron and Q4 e-Tron Sportback
What went wrong with Volkswagen EVs?
Volkswagen first spotted the problem last August after hearing complaints from overseas. The digital display system sometimes shows the wrong gear. Picture this: you think your car’s safely in park, but it’s not. Without the parking brake engaged, your vehicle could start rolling—especially dangerous in places with lots of people walking around.
The fix
The company has contacted owners about a free software update to correct the display problem. They’ll soon get instructions on booking repair appointments at their local dealership.
This isn’t Volkswagen’s only recent headache. They just recalled another 30,000 vehicles (including Audi Q3s, VW Tiguans, and Arteons) over rearview camera failures. Two recalls so close together have some folks questioning how well Volkswagen tests its digital systems.
The bigger story
As cars become more like computers on wheels, these software problems point to growing pains across the industry. Unlike old-school mechanical issues, software bugs can create weird, unexpected dangers.
For carmakers like Volkswagen, the message is clear: cool tech means nothing without reliability. When software controls everything from shifting gears to safety features, thorough testing matters more than ever.
If you own one of the affected cars, check the NHTSA Official website, watch your mail for recall notices—and maybe start using that parking brake regardless.
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