Volkswagen recalling 271,330 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport crossover SUV’s

Volkswagen is recalling 271,330 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport crossover SUVs due to a potential issue where front passenger airbags may not deploy in a crash. The recall includes specific Atlas three-row crossovers from model years 2021-2024 and Cross Sport vehicles from model years 2020-2024. The issue lies in the front passenger seat’s occupant detection system, which is supposed to activate the passenger airbag only when the seat is occupied. In the affected vehicles, this system might not function properly.

The problem arises from the occupant detection system being integrated with the seat heating controls, which are connected to a control unit under the front passenger seat via a wire. This wire may experience a contact fault, registering as a malfunction in the occupant detection system, potentially deactivating the airbag even if the seat is occupied. If this fault occurs, drivers will see an airbag warning light on the instrument cluster, hear a warning chime, and the “passenger airbag off indicator light” will be illuminated.

Dealers will replace the occupant detection system sensor mat and wiring harness free of charge. Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises owners of recalled vehicles to avoid using the front passenger seat.

The recall population was determined by production records, with just 3% of the recalled vehicles estimated to have the defect. The three-row Atlas midsize crossover was introduced in the 2018 model year, and the Atlas Cross Sport, a two-row version, followed in 2020. Both models received significant updates for 2024, including revised styling and powertrains.

Owners will be notified by mail starting August 16 to bring their vehicles to a VW service center. For more information, contact Volkswagen’s customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or visit VW’s recall site.

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