Volkswagen Expands Recall for Atlas SUVs Over Faulty Airbag Sensor

Volkswagen recalled more than 271,000 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs due to a faulty sensor that could prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying in a crash.

History Behind The Recall

This recall affects Volkswagen Atlas SUVs from model years 2021 through 2024, and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs from model years 2020 through 2024. The malfunctioning sensor poses a serious safety risk by increasing the likelihood of injury to the front passenger in the event of an accident.

This recall follows a similar one issued in 2023 for earlier models of these SUVs. The problem lies in the passenger occupant detection system (PODS), which may fail due to a short circuit caused by the seat heater. When this sensor malfunctions, the vehicle’s system may incorrectly determine that the front passenger seat is unoccupied, preventing the airbag from deploying during a collision.

Drivers may be alerted to this issue by a warning light, an error message on the instrument panel, and an audible warning sound. Volkswagen advises owners to avoid using the front passenger seat until a dealership has resolved the issue.

Affected Models and Recall Details

The recall includes 2021 through 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SUVs and 2020 through 2024 Atlas Cross Sport SUVs. The problem is rooted in the PODS, which can fail if a short circuit occurs in the seat heater. When this system malfunctions, it jeopardizes the effectiveness of the airbag system, which is critical for passenger safety.

What Volkswagen Atlas Owners Should Do

Volkswagen has instructed affected owners to refrain from using the front passenger seat until they have had the vehicle serviced. The automaker will replace the faulty PODS with an updated version at no cost to the owner. To get the repair, owners should contact their local Volkswagen dealership as soon as possible.

Next Steps and Contact Information

Volkswagen will notify owners of affected vehicles about the recall. Those with questions or concerns can contact Volkswagen’s customer service at 800-893-5298 for further assistance. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned this recall the campaign number 24V464, while Volkswagen’s internal reference number for the issue is 69PZ.

This recall is a critical reminder of the importance of addressing vehicle safety recalls promptly. By taking immediate action, owners can ensure their vehicles remain safe to drive, protecting themselves and their passengers.

How VW Owners Can Take Back Control

While recalls have been communicated to owners, many continue to be unhappy with the solutions provided by automakers. These problems have the potential to escalate into further action, just like this – underlining the importance of protecting consumer rights.

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About the Author
Sepehr Daghighian is a partner with CCA that is well-versed in all aspects of lemon-law litigation. A 2005 graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. Daghighian has been practicing litigation throughout the state of California for over 13-years. In this time, Mr. Daghighian has advocated on behalf of California consumers in hundreds of lemon law cases throughout our great state. Mr. Daghighian has also successfully tried numerous such cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court.