This month, Volkswagen issued a recall of 99,064 SUVs due to defective door handles. If present, these faulty VW doors could open unexpectedly, including while driving.

Due to a defective design, water (such as from rain or car washes) can enter the door handles of any VW ID.4 electric SUV produced through September 6, 2024. As such, water can reach a local printed circuit board. Water damage there could cause communication issues between the handle and its door control unit. This could include an “open command” to the door lock.

According to the NHTSA’s Safety Recall Report, “An open door on a moving vehicle puts occupants at risk of injury, and can cause damage to objects and people who may be outside of the vehicle.”

The report says that ID.4 owners might notice a clicking sound coming from the handles, similar to a door “unlock” or “lock” command from a key fob. This indicates water intrusion.

To remedy the recall, VW will inspect and replace door handles with improved parts “if necessary.” Since the issue goes back to 2020, the automaker will also offer a reimbursement plan for repairs made out-of-pocket before the recall was issued.

VW ID.4 owners will get a letter notifying them of the door handle recall on or before November 1, 2024.