The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·20V505000·Announced 2020-08-26

2020 Audi SQ5 and Volkswagen vehicles recalled for defective seat welds

Certain 2020 Audi SQ5 and Q5 vehicles and 2020-2021 Volkswagen models have improperly welded front seat frames. In a rear-end crash, the defective welds could fail and reduce occupant restraint, increasing the risk of injury.

What this means for you

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: This is a structural vehicle defect involving seat frame welds that could fail in a rear-end crash and reduce occupant restraint. However, no injuries, deaths, or property damage have been reported. Per the rubric, risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported receive a score of 3.

Plain-English summary

Volkswagen Group of America is recalling certain 2020 Audi SQ5 and Q5 vehicles, as well as specific 2020 and 2021 Volkswagen models including the Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan, and Jetta. The front seat frames and backrest adjusters may not have been properly welded.

In the event of a rear-end collision, improperly welded parts could break or fail. If the backrest adjustment breaks, it may reduce the amount of occupant restraint, thereby increasing the risk of injury.

Approximately 5,376 vehicles are potentially affected by this recall. Volkswagen began notifying owners in September 2020. Owners should contact their vehicle's customer service to arrange a free inspection and replacement of seatback frames as necessary. Volkswagen owners may call 1-888-241-2289, and Audi owners may call 1-800-893-5298.

For additional information, owners can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.safercar.gov.

The recalled product

Product
AUDI, VOLKSWAGEN Q5, SQ5, ATLAS CROSS SPORT, ATLAS
Brand
AUDI
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Seats
Hazard
Affected units
5,376

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 (6)

  • Q5
  • SQ5
  • ATLAS CROSS SPORT
  • ATLAS
  • TIGUAN
  • JETTA

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · AUDI

Same manufacturer · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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Same hazard · improper weld

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