VW ID Buzz U.S. Return Slips to 2028 Amid Tariffs and Recalls
Volkswagen has delayed the U.S. return of its ID Buzz electric van to the first half of 2027, making it a 2028 model year vehicle. This marks the second consecutive model year skip for the brand in the U.S. market. The delay follows a troubled launch in late 2024, which was hampered by high import tariffs, two recalls, and the loss of the federal EV tax credit. While the vehicle will feature updated software and digital key integration upon its return, sales have been weak, with only 2,481 units sold in the first half of 2026.
Key points
- VW announced the ID Buzz will skip the 2027 model year and return in the first half of 2027 as a 2028 model.
- The vehicle was initially paused for the 2026 model year in December 2025 after a weak start in the U.S. market.
- The 2028 model will include updated software, vehicle-to-load capability, and digital key integration.
- The ID Buzz faced high U.S. import tariffs since spring 2025 and two recalls that led to stop-sale orders.
- U.S. sales totaled 6,140 in 2025 and 2,481 in the first half of 2026, with inventory nearly depleted.
Background
The ID Buzz was introduced as a concept at the 2017 Detroit auto show, with the production model revealed in 2022. It launched in the U.S. in November 2024 but struggled due to its high price point, limited range of just over 200 miles, and feature limitations. The vehicle won the 2025 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year award but faced significant market headwinds, including the elimination of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit and high import tariffs. Previous archive coverage does not provide relevant background for this specific automotive development.
How outlets are covering it
Automotive News and The Drive both confirm the delay to the 2028 model year, citing VW's statement that the vehicle will return in the first half of 2027. Automotive News highlights the financial and regulatory hurdles, including tariffs and recalls, that have plagued the vehicle since its 2024 launch. The Drive notes that the delay is a blow for VW dealers who need a youthful, interesting model, but acknowledges the upcoming software and feature updates. Jalopnik takes a more critical stance, referring to the vehicle as 'cheesy Boomer-bait' and expressing relief at the delay, while also noting the weak sales figures. Car and Driver confirms the 2028 model year designation but provides minimal additional detail beyond the core announcement.
Why it matters
The repeated delay of the ID Buzz signals ongoing challenges for Volkswagen in the U.S. EV market, particularly for imported models facing tariffs and regulatory shifts. It highlights the difficulty of launching new EVs in a volatile market where consumer demand, pricing, and policy incentives can change rapidly. For VW, this delay impacts dealer inventory and brand perception, while for consumers, it means continued limited availability of this specific EV model.
What to watch
VW plans to share additional details about the ID Buzz in the months ahead. The vehicle is expected to arrive in the first half of 2027 as a 2028 model year. The company will likely focus on marketing the updated software, vehicle-to-load functionality, and digital key integration to boost appeal. Sales performance will be closely watched to determine if the vehicle can recover from its weak start.
- VW ID. Buzz Taking Another Year Off After Stumbling Start: TDS The Drive
- VW ID Buzz U.S. return delayed to 2028 model year Automotive News
- Volkswagen Delays the ID.Buzz’s Return, Now Set for the First Half of Next Year as a 2028 Model Car and Driver
- ID Bust: VW Delays The ID Buzz's U.S. Comeback To 2028 Model Year Jalopnik
- Is the Volkswagen ID Buzz Already an Icon? We Took It on the Road to Find Out MotorTrend
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