Volkswagen is recalling more than 271,000 vehicles because the front passenger airbags may fail to deploy due to wiring faults.
The recall of 271,330 model year 2021–2024 Volkswagen Atlas and 2020–2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles comes after random deactivation of the front passenger air bag has resulted in 1,730 warranty claims.
The affected vehicles are equipped with Body Sense, a passenger occupant detection system (PODS) that is integrated into the seat heating and controls when the passenger frontal airbag activates. The seat heating and Body Sense control unit are connected under the front passenger seat via a wire. If this wire has a contact fault, the PODS might detect a malfunction and turn off the passenger airbag, even when someone is sitting in the front passenger seat.
When the PODS detects a malfunction, a warning light in the instrument panel comes on, an acoustic warning sound is played, and an error message is displayed in the instrument panel. As far as the recall is concerned, the warning lights, sounds and error messages work as intended, warning drivers as needed. Drivers will also be able to notice the status of the Passenger Airbag OFF indicator light.
In March 2023, Volkswagen recalled vehicles from two production periods that had much higher failure rates than the rest of the lineup. Meanwhile, they conducted further analysis on a third production period and evaluated field performance until June 2024.
By June 2024, the analysis and evaluation of field performance revealed that Volkswagen received 1,730 warranty claims for replacements of Body Sense components.
Volkswagen airbag recall notices are expected to be mailed August 16, 2024. Volkswagen dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness.
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