((Automated translation by Reuters, please see disclaimer https://bit.ly/rtrsauto))
(Added VW comment to paragraphs 4 and 5)
Volkswagen VOWG_p.DE is recalling more than 271,000 vehicles in the United States due to a potential wiring fault that could deactivate the front passenger airbags when the seat is occupied, the American auto safety regulator said on Wednesday.
The recall affects certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles from the German manufacturer where the Seat Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a wiring defect and affect the front passenger airbags.
The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are among the automaker’s best-selling vehicles in the United States.
Volkswagen will notify all owners of affected vehicles by August 16, the company said in an emailed statement to Reuters.
“As soon as the parts are ready, Volkswagen dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness with upgraded parts free of charge,” Volkswagen added.
Until the recall has been carried out, the regulator has advised owners of affected vehicles to avoid using the front passenger seat where possible.
The problem also affects nearly 36,000 vehicles in Canada, according to a memo sent by Volkswagen to its dealers, attached to the NHTSA recall notice.
Earlier this year, Volkswagen recalled more than 261,000 vehicles in the United States due to a problem with the jet pump seal inside the fuel tank.
