Volkswagen has recalled 271,330 SUVs because a system that turns passenger-side airbags on when a passenger occupies the seat can fail. That failure could prevent airbags from deploying when needed.
Recalled models include the:
- 2020-2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
- 2021-2024 Volkswagen Atlas
Many of today’s cars have a sensor that detects when a passenger occupies the front seat. Volkswagen says the sensor connects to the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport seat heaters.
“If the wire has a contact fault, it may cause the passenger occupant detection system to detect a malfunction and switch off the passenger airbag, even though the seat may be occupied,” the company tells federal safety regulators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Owners would know there was a problem. “As designed, a warning light in the instrument panel comes on together with an acoustic warning sound, and an error message is displayed in the instrument panel,” VW says.
Dealers will replace the entire sensor mat and the wiring harness to fix the problem.
Recall repairs are always free.
Manufacturers attempt to contact every owner but don’t always reach them all with the news. Find out if your car has any outstanding repair orders at our recall center.
