The issue is not that the sunshade for the panoramic sunroof is prone to catching fire spontaneously. Rather, Volkswagen has noted in its filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the material's burn rate might exceed the maximum permitted limit in certain situations.
While no one prefers a vehicle with highly flammable materials, this recall is particularly noteworthy because Volkswagen acknowledges that the sunshade material does not "consistently" adhere to performance standards, highlighting an unfortunate oversight. Compliance with safety regulations is paramount.
Volkswagen discovered the problem in May during an internal "Conformity of Production" test, which revealed potential non-compliance with regulations. This led to collaboration with its supplier, Automotive Mexico Body Systems, to conduct further laboratory tests.
Initial tests before the ID.4's production had shown the material to be compliant with fire retardant requirements. However, subsequent evaluations indicated variability in the results. Volkswagen has not yet identified the root cause of this inconsistency. On August 1, the company modified the assembly process so that the exterior side of the material now faces inward, which reportedly resolved the issue.
For the 2023-2024 ID.4 models already in circulation, Volkswagen has announced a U.S. recall starting January 5. Owners will be instructed to bring their vehicles to dealers, where a flame-retardant fabric will be applied to the roller sunshade. To date, Volkswagen reports no injuries or incidents linked to this concern.
Source: NHTSA