In a recent move to ensure the safety of its customers, Volkswagen has issued a recall of 271,330 Atlas SUV vehicles due to an issue with the passenger-side airbags. The recall applies to certain Atlas vehicles made between 2021 and 2024, as well as Atlas Cross Sport vehicles made between 2020 and 2024.
The US National Highway and Safety Administration reported on Wednesday that a wiring error in these vehicles can cause the front passenger airbags not to deploy. This is not the first time Volkswagen has had to recall vehicles for this issue. In March, the German automaker announced a recall of 143,000 Atlas SUVs for a similar problem. It is unclear whether Wednesday’s report includes the March recall, as Volkswagen has not provided clarification on this matter.
Volkswagen explained that the seat heaters in the affected vehicles can have a contact fault with the car’s weight sensors, leading to the passenger airbag being turned off even when the seat is occupied. When this occurs, a warning light and sound will alert the driver from the car’s instrument panel about the disabled airbag.
Affected vehicle owners will receive notification by mail on August 16. Volkswagen dealers will replace the faulty parts at no cost to the owners once