Here's Why VW ID.4 Produces Weird Sci-Fi Noise During Software Update

VW ID.4 owners have noticed their electric crossovers producing a weird sci-fi noise while performing a software update. This is normal, apparently, and a VW spokesperson has shed some light on the matter to Road & Track.

According to the spokesperson, the ID.4 loses connection to the vehicle's Controller Area Network (CAN) bus during a software update. This part houses the EV's speed sensors, meaning the system that generates the ID.4's synthesized sounds doesn't have a way of knowing how fast the vehicle is going. When this happens, the system makes a strange noise.

Of note, EVs are regulated to produce noise when traveling under 18 mph. This was put in place to ensure pedestrian safety and make sure that other unsuspecting road users will get to hear the EV when it's around.

If you're curious about how weird those EV noises sound, we embedded two instances on the internet in this article. The first one, the YouTube video, was taken two months ago, showing a white ID.4, producing a fluctuating sound that crescendoed into a high-pitched, almost alien-sounding noise while parked. The video description says it will also play in the event of a crash to alert bystanders.

Meanwhile, the TikTok post below saw an ID.4 parked at a dealership, supposedly getting a software update. It also produced the same sound, even prompting one of the people in the area to shout, "Can you turn that down?" but to no avail.

Suppose you're not a fan of this oddball of a soundtrack in your ID.4 - which will ironically be fixed through a software update should VW choose to do so - it isn't part of VW's upgrade this month, addressing other major concerns about the EV.

The updates include more power for both single- and dual-motor variants, boosting by as much as 81 horsepower. The range has also been increased, though VW didn't publish the increase until the 2024 model year's market introduction early next year.

The sound might catch you off-guard if you ever hear it, but at least you now know there's nothing wrong, and the aliens aren't coming to get you.