VW Issues Recall for Over 271,000 Atlas SUVs Due to Airbag Malfunction

• The recall impacts the 2021-2024 Atlas three-row crossover SUV
• Inclusion of the 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport five-seat crossover SUV as properly
• Potential malfunction within the entrance passenger detection system might stop the airbag from deploying

Volkswagen has issued a recall for 271,330 items of the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport crossover SUVs following issues that the entrance passenger airbags might fail to deploy throughout an accident, as reported by the AP on Wednesday.

The recall particularly targets sure three-row Atlas fashions from the 2021-2024 mannequin years, and Cross Sport fashions from the 2020-2024 mannequin years. The core of the problem lies within the occupant detection system of the entrance passenger seat, a mechanism usually present in newer autos which prompts the passenger airbag provided that the seat is occupied. This method might not function appropriately within the affected fashions.

Inside the impacted autos, the detection system is linked to seat heating controls and related to a management module situated beneath the entrance passenger seat with a wire, per a Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) recall discover. A fault on this wire might end in a malfunction being registered by the detection system, presumably resulting in the deactivation of the airbag even when the seat is in use.

Ought to this defect be current, drivers will discover an airbag warning mild on the dashboard, accompanied by an audible chime. The “passenger airbag off indicator mild” may even activate.

To deal with this situation, sellers will substitute the defective sensor mat and wiring harness for the occupant detection system for gratis. The NHTSA advises homeowners of the recalled fashions to not make the most of the entrance passenger seat till repairs are made.

The vary of affected autos was recognized via manufacturing knowledge. Solely sure designs of seats associated to the detection wiring situation are included within the recall, whereas different fashions of Atlas and Cross Sport characteristic totally different seat designs. Regardless of this, it’s estimated that solely 3% of the autos topic to recall exhibit the issue.

The Atlas was initially launched as a midsize three-row crossover for the 2018 mannequin yr, and the Atlas Cross Sport, that includes a two-row design and a sleeker roofline, was launched in 2020. Each fashions noticed vital updates in 2024, together with modifications in styling and powertrain choices.

Automobile homeowners impacted by the recall will begin receiving notification letters by mail starting August 16, instructing them to rearrange service with a Volkswagen supplier. For added data, prospects can contact Volkswagen’s customer support at 1-800-893-5298 or seek the advice of VW’s recall web site.