The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighNHTSA·18V803000·Announced 2018-11-14

Volkswagen and Audi Recall 2018 Models for Rear Seat Weld Defect

Volkswagen and Audi are recalling 2018 e-Golf, Golf R, A3, and RS3 vehicles because incorrectly welded rear seat head restraint guide sleeves may reduce stability in a crash.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (incorrect welding) that increases the risk of injury in a crash, but the source text does not report any specific injuries or fatalities, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf and Golf R vehicles, as well as 2018 Audi A3 Sedan and RS3 vehicles. The recall addresses a defect where the rear seat frame head restraint guide sleeves may be incorrectly welded to the seat frame.

If the guide sleeves are incorrectly welded, the rear seat head restraints may have reduced stability in the event of a crash, which increases the risk of injury. The recall began on December 28, 2018.

Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners, and dealers will inspect the guide sleeves for incorrect welds and replace the rear seat frame as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72H8 (VW) and 72H9 (Audi).

The recalled product

Product
AUDI, VOLKSWAGEN A3 CABRIOLET, GOLF R, RS 3, E-GOLF
Brand
AUDI
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Passenger Vehicle
Hazard
Affected units
169

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (4)

  • A3 CABRIOLET
  • GOLF R
  • RS 3
  • E-GOLF

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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