More than 143,000 Volkswagen vehicles are being recalled due to a faulty sensor in the front passenger seat that can switch the airbag system off in certain conditions. Owners are being advised to not use the front seat until the issue is resolved.
The recall was posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. According to documents Volkswagen filed with the agency, the problem is “sporadic.”
The recall affects the car manufacturer’s Atlas SUVs with the model year 2018 through 2021 and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs with a 2020 model year.
The sensor in question is weight activated and is typically used to detect if someone small, like a child, is riding the passenger seat, forcing the airbag to switch off so that it doesn’t cause injury by being deployed during an accident.
However, the sensor in some of the Atlas SUVs can result in the “passenger occupant detection system,” indicating a system issue, deactivating the airbag no matter the weight. This could lead to someone not having protection in the event of a crash.
“Owners are advised not to use the front passenger seat until the remedy has been completed. The remedy is currently under development,” the recall posting said.
Volkswagen is currently investigating the issue with the sensor, as it is unclear what’s causing the problem.
Mark Gillies, a spokesperson for the auto manufacturer, shared in the recall that the company has not been made aware of any injuries stemming from the problem.
If your SUV is experiencing the problem, a warning light will illuminate inside the vehicle, Volkswagen shared. Owners whose vehicles are affected will be notified via the mail, but are encouraged to call 1-888-327-4236, the NHTSA’s auto safety hotline, with concerns.
A fix for the problem has not yet been announced.
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