08:09 20-11-2025

Owners say VW ID.4 touch steering-wheel buttons cause unintended acceleration

Volkswagen is facing a fresh lawsuit in the United States: owners of the electric ID.4 claim the touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons can trigger unintended acceleration. According to them, even a light brush is enough for the electronics to reengage the cruise control’s previously set speed, as if the driver had stepped on the pedal. The twist is that VW had already acknowledged its push for touch panels was a misstep and pledged to bring physical buttons back on future models.

Plaintiffs from Connecticut say their crossovers began to pick up speed without a command, and they point to the touch elements on the wheel as the culprit. Car Complaints reports that the system could restore the set speed after the slightest contact. Volkswagen’s legal team rejects the claims, arguing that in both incidents drivers pressed the accelerator themselves and that no evidence of a defect has been presented.

In a company statement, VW said the suit lacks specific facts and that no dealer has confirmed the issue in real-world conditions. The brand is seeking to have the case dismissed while preparing an updated ID.4 with the return of physical buttons—an approach many drivers welcome. In everyday driving, touch controls tend to demand more attention than traditional switchgear, which makes the complaint’s premise easy to understand even if it has yet to be proven.

Overall, it looks like a familiar clash between tech experimentation and the habits of people behind the wheel. As some automakers chase minimalist cabins, everyday use keeps reminding the industry that conventional buttons remain the most reliable way to run a car’s core functions.