Auburn Hills, MI – March 27, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 222,892 midsize SUVs, whose airbags may deploy with a delay during a crash, increasing the risk of an injury. This recall affects the following vehicles:
- 2019 – 2020 Volkswagen Atlas
- 2021 – 2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL
- 2021 – 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Recall summary
The recalled vehicles have a wiring harness that goes from the vehicle’s body to its front doors and connects to a variety of components, including side airbags.
Due to a supplier error, the harness was not fitted properly, causing it to move slightly under vibration. Over time, this can lead to corrosion, which cause a delay in the deployment of the front side airbags in the event of a “side impact crash.”
Recall risks
Delayed airbag deployment ups the risk of an injury.
Warning signs
The airbag warning light may come on in the event of a malfunction.
Since the corrosion of the harness may also affect other components that are “plugged into” it, the driver may also see “inadvertent rolling down windows, inadvertent park brake engagement” and receive a warning about a “faulty door sensor.”
Other Volkswagen recalls
Some of the model-years involved in this recall may also have been affected by another airbag recall in December, as reported. The recalled vehicles’ airbags were at risk of the airbags accidentally deploying due to a water leak.
Over 45,000 Audi sedans were just recalled due to a manufacturing defect which causes their fuel level indicators to display an inaccurate reading. This may lead to a stall while in traffic, as reported.
The repair
The remedy is currently under development. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent by May 10, 2022. All repairs will be free of charge.
Is your vehicle part of this recall?
These Volkswagen electrical issues are affecting more than 200,000 vehicles. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.