Used Volkswagen ID 3 2020-present reliability
Category: Electric car
The Volkswagen ID 3 has an impressive range, punchy performance and a practical interior. Used prices are really competitive, too.
What should I look for in a used Volkswagen ID.3 hatchback?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
The Volkswagen ID 3 is popular with taxi drivers and families alike, so check the bodywork and alloy wheels for damage and the interior for wear and tear. Also, make sure the infotainment system and electrics work as they should.
Owners have been reporting issues with the infotainment systems and active safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control and speed controlling functions. Overall, it appears that the electrical features on the cars are prone to bugs and issues. That said, VW and other brands within the Volkswagen Group have introduced software upgrades to remedy the issues, so make sure to check these have been carried out.
What are the most common problems with a used Volkswagen ID.3 hatchback?
As of writing, the ID 3 has three recalls listed. To check whether a car has been affected, you can contact your local Volkswagen dealer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.
Reason for recall
Possible missing bearing bush in the area of the steering worm gear.
How the manufacturer will repair: On all affected vehicles, the steering rack must be replaced
Number of affected vehicles: 2
Date of recall: 05/11/2021
Reason for recall
On certain vehicles, the front passenger airbag may not be securely bolted in place as intended.
How the manufacturer will repair: The front passenger airbag is to be deactivated until this recall campaign is carried out. It must then be inspected and if necessary re-secured.
Number of affected vehicles: 11
Date of recall: 09/03/2023
Reason for recall
On affected vehicles, a module in the high-voltage battery may not meet the manufacturer's quality standards. This could lead to a noticeable loss of range or the yellow warning lamp coming on. Furthermore, there is a risk of overheating within the high-voltage battery. Overheating can lead to a vehicle fire with a risk of severe or deadly injuries for the vehicle occupants.
How the manufacturer will repair: Check and replace affected battery modules.
Number of affected vehicles: 2
Date of recall: 29/12/2025
Is a used Volkswagen ID.3 hatchback reliable?
The ID 3 finished in 14th place out of 20 electric cars in the What Car? Reliability Survey, with a disappointing score of 87.7%. That's behind the Renault Megane, Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf, but ahead of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Polestar 2. The MG4 finished one place ahead in 13th.
As a brand, Volkswagen finished in joint 24th place with Ford out of 30 manufacturers, with a score of 90.5%. That places it below BMW, Skoda and Tesla, but above Nissan and MG. Check out the full list here.
Used Volkswagen ID 3 reliability: the owners' view
In our latest reliability survey, owners said the Volkswagen ID 3 has proven to be something of a mixed bag. While many appreciate the car's electric range, a significant number of owners have reported persistent software faults. These issues often manifest as glitchy infotainment screens, failing sat-nav traffic data, and warning lights for parking sensors or "manoeuvre braking" that appear without cause.
Hardware is not immune, either; some readers highlighted more serious faults requiring the replacement of steering racks or high-voltage battery modules. When things go wrong, the dealer experience has been a point of frustration. Several owners described a lack of technical expertise within the dealership network, with "Master Technicians" reportedly struggling to fix complex electronic issues. Long waits for parts and disinterested customer service were also noted, suggesting that while the car is innovative, the support network still has some catching up to do.
