A widely recognized car brand just issued a recall on one of its newest vehicles—are you affected?

If you’ve spotted a retro-looking electric van on the road lately and felt a twinge of nostalgia, you’re not alone.

A new all-electric throwback to a classic van has finally made its debut in the US, and it’s already turning heads.

But just as people were getting excited about it, the vehicle is now making headlines for a very unexpected reason: a recall involving its third-row seat belts.



According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the ID. Buzz is being recalled because the third-row bench seat is wide enough to fit three passengers—but only has two seat belts.

In simple terms, one passenger would be left unsecured, which violates modern safety standards. Volkswagen notified dealers about the issue on April 25 and will begin notifying vehicle owners on June 20.

The ID. Buzz may look like a blast from the past, but it’s packed with futuristic features. Inspired by the beloved Volkswagen Transporter (Microbus), the van blends nostalgic styling with today’s electric powertrain and advanced interior.


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A new all-electric throwback to a classic van has finally made its debut in the US. Image Source: Volkswagen USA / YouTube


It officially made its way to the US in late 2024, two years after its European debut—and it didn’t take long to make a splash.

In fact, it just won the 2025 World Car Design Award, edging out competitors like the Kia EV3 and Toyota Land Cruiser.

A global panel of jurors praised the ID. Buzz for being unique, innovative, and refreshingly different.



Beyond looks, the ID. Buzz delivers solid performance for an electric family van:
  • Starting price: $59,995 (Pro S base trim)
  • Top trim: 1st Edition with 4MOTION all-wheel drive at $69,995
  • Power: 282 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque
  • 0-60 mph: Around 7.4 seconds
  • Range: Estimated 234 miles on a full charge
Because it’s built outside the US, the ID. Buzz does not qualify for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, making it slightly less competitive on price.

Still, it’s been a hit with EV enthusiasts for its originality and character.


If you already own or plan to take delivery of an ID. Buzz, Volkswagen says it will contact owners directly beginning in June.

Read next:
Key Takeaways

  • The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is being recalled due to a seat belt issue in the third row, where the bench can seat three passengers but only has two belts.
  • Owners will begin receiving recall notifications starting June 20, according to the NHTSA.
  • The vehicle, which launched in the US in late 2024, recently won the 2025 World Car Design Award.
  • Prices start at $59,995, and while the van does not qualify for the federal EV tax credit, its standout design and nostalgic appeal continue to generate strong interest.
Have you seen the ID? Buzz in your area—or maybe you’ve already ordered one? What do you think of the design, and how would you feel about a recall over something this unusual? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from our GrayVine community. And as always, stay safe, stay informed, and keep buckled up!
 

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