Volkswagen Recalls Over 271,000 SUVs Due to Faulty Airbags
Volkswagen has issued a recall for 271,330 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs due to a defect in the passenger-side airbags. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this defect stems from a wiring error that could prevent the airbags from deploying in a crash.
The recall affects Atlas models manufactured between 2021 and 2024, and Atlas Cross Sport models produced from 2020 to 2024. This issue was previously noted by Volkswagen in March when 143,000 Atlas SUVs were recalled for a similar problem. It remains unclear if the current recall includes the previously recalled vehicles, as Volkswagen has yet to provide clarification.
In a statement, Volkswagen explained that the defect involves the car’s seat heaters, which can interfere with the vehicle’s weight sensors. This interference may cause the passenger airbag to deactivate even if the seat is occupied. When this occurs, a warning light and sound alert the driver via the car’s instrument panel.
Volkswagen plans to notify affected vehicle owners by mail starting August 16. Once replacement parts are available, Volkswagen dealers will repair the faulty components at no cost to the owners.