Defective airbags prompt Volkswagen to recall over 271,000 vehicles

Volkswagen has issued a recall for 271,330 of its Atlas SUV vehicles due to issues with the passenger-side airbags. The recall affects certain Atlas vehicles produced between 2021 and 2024, as well as Atlas Cross Sport vehicles manufactured between 2020 and 2024. The recall was prompted by a wiring error that could cause the front passenger airbags not to deploy, according to a report from the US National Highway and Safety Administration.

This is not the first time Volkswagen has issued a recall 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 yet provided clarification on the matter.

Volkswagen explained that the problem stems from a contact fault between the car’s seat heaters and weight sensors, which can lead to the passenger airbag being switched off even when the seat is occupied. When this occurs, a warning light and sound will alert the driver that the passenger airbag has been deactivated.

Owners of the affected vehicles will receive notification by mail on August 16. Once the replacement parts are available, Volkswagen dealers will replace the faulty components free of charge to ensure the safety of the vehicles and their occupants.