Volkswagen Recalls Over 271,000 Atlas SUVs Due to Defective Airbag That May Malfunction During Crash

By Dabbie Davis

Jun 28, 2024 01:17 AM EDT

A WHITE VOLKSWAGEN STEERING WHEEL
(Photo : PEXELS/ Karen Radley Volkswagen)

VW has given a recall for over 271,000 Atlas SUVs. The faulty airbag is the cause of the most recent recall. This problem poses serious concern as the airbag may malfunction during a crash.

Volkswagen Latest Recall: Atlas SUVs

A recall is underway for 271,330 Volkswagen Atlas SUVs because of an airbag problem, especially the front passenger seat's malfunctioning airbag. The airbag may malfunction by not deploying,putting lives in danger in case of a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provided the details of this Volkswagen recall. As Fox Business stated, the NHTSA reported that there may be an issue with the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) in some cars.

There is a risk to passenger safety that this wiring defect will cause the front passenger airbag to deactivate even when the seat is occupied. Model years 2020-2024 for Atlas cars and 2021-2024 for Atlas Cross Sport vehicles are affected by the Volkswagen recall.

Volkswagen announced a recall of 143,000 Atlas SUVs in March owing to a similar problem, as reported by WCVB. This current report on Wednesday does not definitively state if the recent findings are linked to the previous March recall.

Volkswagen has yet to clarify whether the two recalls overlap, as they did not respond promptly to inquiries for clarification. The Orange County Register shed light on the defective airbag malfunctions during a crash.

It noted that Volkswagen, in a communication with CNN, disclosed that the vehicle's seat heaters could potentially experience a connectivity issue with the weight sensors.

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This resulted in the accidental deactivation of the passenger airbag despite the seat being in use. In such instances, a warning indication illuminates the car's instrument cluster with an audible alert, signaling the driver that the passenger airbag has been deactivated for safety reasons.

Volkswagen Solution

Affected vehicle owners are scheduled to receive official notifications via mail beginning on August 16. Volkswagen has outlined that once the replacement parts are available, authorized dealers will undertake the necessary repairs at no cost to the owners. This move shows the company's commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction and safety.

Atlas Cross Sport

One can buy the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport from a base price of $38,410. Amongst the mid-size SUV contenders, the updated Atlas Cross Sport stands out for its commitment to providing a blend of sporty features, driving competency, and comfort to drivers and passengers alike.

However, in a market filled with similar offerings, this combination may not surpass the offerings provided by some of its formidable competitors in the same segment.

Car and Driver shared that the most recent modifications to the Atlas Sport Cross include improvements to the front and back ends, which include new headlights and taillights for a more contemporary appearance.

Inside, the interior receives a boost with more premium materials, elevating the overall feel of the driving experience.

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