VW recalls more than 271,000 Atlas SUVs for airbag fail

• Recall encompasses the 2021-2024 Atlas three-row crossover SUV
• It also includes the 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport five-seat crossover SUV
• The front passenger detection system may not work, rendering the passenger airbag inoperable

Volkswagen is recalling 271,330 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport crossover SUVs because front passenger airbags may not deploy in a crash, the AP reported Wednesday.

The recall encompasses certain Atlas three-row crossovers from model years 2021-2024 and Cross Sport vehicles from model years 2020-2024. In these vehicles, the front passenger seat’s occupant detection system—a common feature in new cars that activates the passenger airbag only when a person is actually sitting in the seat—may not function properly.

In the affected vehicles, the occupant detection system is integrated with the seat heating controls, which in turn are connected to a control unit under the front passenger seat via a wire, a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall report explained. This wire may experience a contact fault, which would register as a malfunction to the occupant detection system, which might then deactivate the airbag even if the seat is occupied.

If this fault occurs, drivers will see an airbag warning light on the instrument cluster, and hear a warning chime. The “passenger airbag off indicator light” will also be illuminated.

Dealers will replace the occupant detection system sensor mat and wiring harness free of charge. In the meantime, the NHTSA is advising owners of recalled vehicles to avoid use of the front passenger seat.

The recall population was determined by production records. Vehicles included in the recall have a specific seat design related to the occupant-detection wiring fault, while other Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models have a different seat design. Just 3% of the recalled vehicles are thought to have the defect, though.

The three-row Atlas midsize crossover was introduced for the 2018 model year. The Atlas Cross Sport, a two-row version with a chopped roof, followed as a 2020 model. Both received a significant update for 2024, including revised styling and powertrains.

Owners will be notified by mail as early as Aug. 16, to bring their cars into a VW service center. For more info, contact Volkswagen’s customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or visit VW’s recall site.