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?
On the whole, the ID 3 is a solidly built family car, but 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.
What are the most common problems with a used Volkswagen ID.3 hatchback?
As of writing, the ID 3 has yet to experience any recalls. On the other hand, 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.
Is a used Volkswagen ID.3 hatchback reliable?
The ID 3 didn't perform well in the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, finishing 13th place out of 18 electric cars polled. This put it behind the Polestar 2, Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf, but ahead of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and MG4. Check out the full list here.
As a brand, Volkswagen finished 18th out of 31 manufacturers, below Skoda and Toyota but above Nissan and MG. Check out the full list here.
Used Volkswagen ID 3 reliability: the owners' view
According to our latest Reliability Survey, Volkswagen ID 3 owners said the car has had a mixed record for reliability, with some owners reporting recurring issues and disappointing dealer support. Several respondents cited problems with warning lights and infotainment faults, including frozen screens and software glitches, which often required repeated visits to dealers. One owner reported a faulty charging system, while another mentioned a persistent creaking noise that dealers failed to rectify.
Experiences with the Volkswagen dealer network were also inconsistent. While a few owners praised courteous service, many felt that problems were either not diagnosed properly or returned after supposed repairs. In particular, software-related issues were frequently flagged as being poorly understood or slowly resolved by technicians. Some owners expressed frustration over long waits for appointments or parts. Although a number of ID 3s ran without major trouble, the overall picture suggests that both reliability and aftercare could be improved.
