The previous recall issue for 2024 Atlas vehicles involved potential engine failure concerns due to damaged connecting rod bearings, which could result in catastrophic engine damage and, in rare cases, a vehicle fire. The recall affected over 2,000 examples of the Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport.
Counterfeit airbags are causing injuries by consistently malfunctioning, either failing to deploy or expelling metal shrapnel during deployment3. These fake airbags may have been sold online to consumers or repair shops, and if a vehicle is equipped with a counterfeit airbag, there is a high risk of injury3. The full scope of the problem is uncertain due to the difficulty of tracing counterfeit parts.
Volkswagen's recall affects certain 2021 to 2024 model year Atlas vehicles and 2020 to 2024 model year Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The issue is related to problems with a wire for the seat heating in the affected vehicles, which could cause the airbag to switch off when someone is in the front seat.