VW is recalling the ID. Buzz electric van over third-row bench issue. Here’s what you need to know about the unique EV.
- The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a one-of-a-kind electric van that debuted in Europe.
- The ID. Buzz has finally made its way to the United States, to the delight of some VW enthusiasts.
- The funky and futuristic EV is already being recalled over a design issue that’s out of the ordinary.
For those unfamiliar with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, it’s an electric van reminiscent of a bygone era. At the same time, it incorporates futuristic elements creating a combo so distinct that it’s nearly impossible to mistake for any other vehicle.
After years of making its rounds at auto shows, the ID. Buzz is finally available in the United States. It’s already being recalled for reasons as strange as the vehicle’s design.
Why is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz being recalled?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric van is being recalled because “if three passengers were seated in the third-row bench, there would be insufficient seat belts for all three passengers”. In other words, its rear seat is so wide that it requires three seat belts instead of the two Volkswagen Group of America Inc. originally equipped the EV with.
Based on the NHTSA safety recall report, Volkswagen notified dealers on April 25 and will notify owners on June 20. The ID. Buzz crossed the pond and made it to the U.S. in the final quarter of 2024, two years after its European debut. The funky and futuristic van has peaked the interest of auto enthusiasts worldwide because of its unique design.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is the 2025 World Car Design award winner
The World Car awards are annual awards presented at the New York International Auto Show for several categories including World Car Design. The VW ID. Buzz won the World Car Design award for 2025, beating out the Kia EV3 and Toyota Land Cruiser.
A distinguished panel of jurors from across the globe voted for Volkswagen’s unique electric vehicle despite stiff competition from Kia and Toyota. The ID. Buzz takes design cues from the Volkswagen Transporter (or Microbus) that was beloved by a generation of drivers. Its body style pays homage to its predecessors, but its powertrain, interior, and technology are all futuristic.
BBC’s Top Gear remarks “we love it because it’s different, because it’s a new anti-SUV template, because it’s fun to be in and around.” Based on Top Gear’s review, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz could rival some popular full-size SUV nameplates as an innovative electric family vehicle.
How much does the Volkswagen ID. Buzz cost?
Volkswagen’s newest (and largest) electric vehicle starts at $59,995 for the entry-level Pro S trim. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is available in a total of five trims including the 1st Edition with 4MOTION final configuration ($69,995). Since it’s manufactured outside of the United States, it isn’t eligible for the federal electric vehicle tax incentive of $7,500.
The base model 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro S produces 282 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour in around 7.4 seconds. The base model electric van has 234 miles of driving range. It may not be practical for the average driver without access to competent charging stations, but it’s appealing to electric vehicle enthusiasts. Are you excited about the ID. Buzz, or is Volkswagen’s new EV too strange to take a chance on?
