Defective airbags prompt Volkswagen to recall over 271,000 vehicles

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas SUV was showcased at the Chicago Auto Show in Illinois, US. The SUV has since been recalled by Volkswagen due to faulty passenger-side airbags. A total of 271,330 Atlas SUV vehicles have been affected by the recall.

The issue affects certain Atlas vehicles made between 2021 and 2024, as well as Atlas Cross Sport vehicles made between 2020 and 2024. The problem stems from a wiring error that causes the front passenger airbags not to deploy, as reported by the US National Highway and Safety Administration.

Volkswagen had previously recalled 143,000 Atlas SUVs in March for a similar issue, but it is unclear if the recent report includes this previous recall. The company did not immediately respond for clarification when asked.

According to Volkswagen, the seat heaters in the car can have a contact fault with the car’s weight sensors, resulting in the passenger airbag turning off even if the seat is occupied. When this occurs, a warning light and sound alert the driver that the passenger airbag has been deactivated.

Affected vehicle owners will receive notification by mail on August 16. Once the necessary parts are available, Volkswagen dealers will replace the faulty components free of charge, ensuring the safety of the SUV owners.