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Volkswagen Group of America has issued a recall for more than 270,000 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles due to concerns over defective front passenger airbags. This recall affects certain 2021-2024 VW Atlas models and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport models across the United States.
History Behind The Recall
The recall centers around a potential fault in the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) of the affected vehicles. According to Volkswagen, this fault could lead to the front passenger airbag being deactivated while the seat is occupied. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has warned that a deactivated airbag significantly increases the risk of injury during a crash. An acknowledgment letter from the NHTSA states, “A deactivated passenger airbag increases the risk of injury during a crash.”
Repair Plans and Notification
To address the issue, Volkswagen plans to replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness in the recalled vehicles at no cost to the owners. Recall notification letters are expected to be mailed to affected vehicle owners by August 16, 2024. Owners with additional questions about the recall can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.
Previous and Related Recalls
This is not the first time Volkswagen has had to recall Atlas vehicles over airbag issues. In April 2023, Volkswagen recalled more than 140,000 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs from the 2018-2021 model years. This recall was due to a defect in the passenger-side front airbag system, where the passenger occupant detection system could erroneously deactivate the airbag, even if a passenger was present. The issue was particularly concerning for vehicles with a passenger occupant detection system integrated into a heated front seat.
In those instances, the NHTSA advised owners not to allow anyone to ride in the front passenger seat until the defect was repaired. The problem was attributed to a fault in the wire connecting the detection system to the seat’s heating system. A new cable with a shield was introduced to production in October 2022, which has helped mitigate this issue in newer Atlas vehicles.
Ongoing Safety Measures
Volkswagen will notify dealers and affected vehicle owners about the current recall. Meanwhile, owners are encouraged to check the NHTSA recalls website to determine if their vehicle is part of this or any other recalls. The NHTSA report mentions that an instrument panel light and an audible warning should alert owners if the airbag deactivates due to this fault.
The safety of Volkswagen Atlas owners remains a priority as the company works to resolve these recurring airbag issues. Vehicle owners need to observe recall notices and take action to ensure their vehicles are safe to drive.
If you own a 2021-2024 VW Atlas or a 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport, be aware of this significant recall. Ensure your vehicle’s airbag system is checked and repaired as needed to maintain the highest safety standards. For more information, contact your local Volkswagen dealer or visit the NHTSA website.
How Vehicle Owners Can Take Back Control
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