Volkswagen ID.4 owner just solved one of the car's biggest driver frustrations with a genius DIY fix
Published on Jul 28, 2025 at 10:20 AM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on Jul 24, 2025 at 6:11 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
One owner, who was tired of the fussy steering wheel buttons on his Volkswagen ID.4, came up with a clever DIY mod that brings back proper tactile controls.
The capacitive interface has been a common complaint among ID.4 drivers, often blamed for triggering unwanted inputs.
By using factory parts from another Volkswagen model, the modification skips dealership visits and avoids any software changes.
Other owners are now following the same approach to restore functionality that even VW admitted had been lost with the touch-sensitive controls.
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DIY mod for the Volkswagen ID.4
The DIY mod was shared by a VW ID Talk forum member who goes by ‘Waldo22’.
After testing different parts, they found that physical steering wheel buttons from the Volkswagen Atlas can be installed directly onto the Volkswagen ID.4’s steering wheel.
The buttons align with the ID.4’s controls and don’t require any programming or coding to function.
The process begins by disconnecting the battery and removing the airbag and trim from the wheel.
The replacement steering wheel buttons are then mounted using six screws, with a key step involving the disconnection of CAN pins to prevent the horn from sounding.
All main functions remain intact after installation, including cruise control, volume adjustment, and navigation through menu options.
Some features such as the backlighting, the ‘View’ button, and traditional track skipping do not work with the new layout.
However, audio tracks can still be changed using the arrow keys on the right side of the wheel.
Despite these gaps, he said the mod significantly improved usability and control.
The Volkswagen ID.4 has faced continued criticism for its touch-sensitive controls, especially on the steering wheel.
Drivers have reported frequent input errors caused by accidental touches during regular driving.
Volkswagen confirms steering wheel buttons are returning to the ID.4
Volkswagen has acknowledged the backlash over capacitive steering wheel buttons and is making a clear shift back to physical controls.
Andreas Mindt, head of design at Volkswagen, confirmed the reversal in a recent interview and said the decision applies to future production models across the lineup.
“They will be in every car that we make from now on. We will never, ever make this mistake again,” Mindt said.
“On the steering wheel, we will have physical buttons. Honestly, it’s a car. It’s not a phone.”
The facelifted Volkswagen ID.4 will be one of the first vehicles to receive these changes.
Until then, owners can rely on the growing popularity of this DIY mod to bring back the familiar feel of real steering wheel buttons.
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Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. Callum has a background in automotive journalism and has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.
