Volkswagen ID. Buzz Hit With Two Recalls, One of Them Pretty Odd
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz might be the 2025 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, but it will have to do a bit more to adapt to the North American market, as evidenced by the first two safety recalls that have been announced by the automaker.
The first one affects 5,637 units in the U.S. and another 711 in Canada, all built no later than February 11, 2025. The brake system malfunction warning light may not have the required icon or the right colour, which goes against U.S. and Canadian regulations.
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There’s an easy fix, mind you, namely a software update performed at the dealership.
The second recall is aimed at the same number of units. The third-row rear bench is wide enough for three passengers but is designed for two and equipped with two seat belts. And that could increase the risk of injury in the event of a collision.
The solution isn’t exactly a cute one. Dealers will install fixed, unpadded trim parts to adjust the width of the third-row seating surfaces. Said parts might not be available soon, however. In fact, Volkswagen expects to notify owners by June 20.
Many of the recalled units have not been sold yet and/or are sitting on dealer lots. Stop-sale orders have been issued and will remain effective until the vehicles are repaired.
According to data from Automotive News Data Center and Research, the electric minivan found 117 takers in Canada in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 183 in the first quarter of 2025. The hefty price tag is putting off many potential buyers, with the rear-wheel-drive 1st Edition model starting at $77,495 plus freight and PDI and the 4Motion-equipped model costing $82,995.