NHTSA complaint #11499850

Owner complaint summary

On December 29, 2022, I took delivery of a brand new 2023 ID.4 Pro S AWD with 20 miles on the odometer. The vehicle was showing a 12V battery warning the following day. I drove it for about 80 miles that day to ensure that the 12V battery is charged in case it was not properly looked after during transport and at the dealer. The next day, the vehicle was inoperable and immobilized. The 12V battery has failed and the accessory voltage dropped to 8V. Power steering stopped working, headlights were not working and it was not possible to put the vehicle in neutral. I called a tow truck via the Volkswagen roadside assistance. In preparation for the tow the operator attempted to boost the 12V battery from a portable jump starter. This was necessary to put the vehicle in neutral so that it can be moved. While doing that the vehicle became fully operable again and the operator encouraged me to drive the vehicle myself instead of getting it towed. I agreed and drove it to my garage where I put the 12V battery on a tender / battery charger. The following day the vehicle was again completely inoperable and it was now blocking my garage where is was difficult to access. I continued to charge the 12V battery for another full day. Now the vehicle turns on again and can be driven. However, there is a plethora of warnings including one that states that 12V battery supply is limited and the vehicle needs to be driven with care. I scheduled an appointment with a Volkswagen dealer for the following day. In summary, I took delivery of a brand new vehicle that almost immediately became inoperable. Given that it's very difficult to impossible to get the vehicle on a tow truck without the 12V accessory voltage powering its electronics the manufacturer should have taken precautions so that the battery cannot fail in such rapid and unpredictable fashion. There needs to be a way to put the vehicle in neutral in emergency situations such as this one.