The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·23V215000·Announced 2025-05-03

Volkswagen Atlas Passenger Airbag Deactivation Recall Due to Wiring Fault

Volkswagen is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles for a wiring fault in the passenger airbag system. The fault can deactivate the front passenger airbag when occupied, increasing crash injury risk.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: A wiring fault in the passenger occupant detection system that deactivates the front passenger airbag is a structural vehicle safety defect. Although no injuries have been reported, the passenger airbag is critical protection during crashes, and its deactivation poses serious injury risk.

Plain-English summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2018-2021 Volkswagen Atlas and 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) contains a wiring fault in the sensor mat and wiring harness that can deactivate the front passenger airbag when a passenger is present in the seat.

A deactivated passenger airbag increases the risk of serious injury or death to the passenger during a crash. The front passenger airbag is a critical safety component designed to protect vehicle occupants in collision events.

This recall affects approximately 143,053 vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 22, 2024. Volkswagen dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness for all affected vehicles at no charge.

Owners should contact their Volkswagen dealership to schedule the free repair. Volkswagen customer service can be reached at 1-800-893-5298. The NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline is available at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), and additional information can be found at www.nhtsa.gov. Volkswagen's campaign number for this recall is 69FB.

The recalled product

Product
2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS
Brand
VOLKSWAGEN
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Airbag System
Hazard
  • airbag-deactivation
  • wiring-fault
Affected units
143,053

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 (2)

  • ATLAS
  • ATLAS CROSS SPORT

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · VOLKSWAGEN

Same category