Air-Bag Recalls Affect Over 400,000 SUVs by Volkswagen and Toyota

Volkswagen and Toyota have announced significant recalls affecting over 400,000 SUVs due to critical air-bag issues, urging owners to refrain from specific uses of their vehicles until the problems are fixed. Volkswagen’s recall targets over 271,000 vehicles, including the 2021 to 2024 Atlas and 2020 to 2024 Atlas Cross Sport models, due to a wiring fault that can deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied. Owners are advised not to use the front passenger seat until repairs are completed. An air-bag warning light, sound, and error message will alert passengers if there is an issue, and recall notifications will be sent out starting August 16. The repair involves replacing the passenger occupant detection system sensor mat and wiring harness, with Volkswagen offering a reimbursement plan for the repairs.

Meanwhile, Toyota has recalled more than 145,000 vehicles, including the 2024 model year Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid, as well as Lexus TX350, TX500 Hybrid, and TX550 Hybrid SUVs. The recall is due to a risk that the driver’s side curtain air bag may deploy outside the vehicle if the window is rolled down, increasing the risk of injury. Toyota has advised owners to keep the driver’s side window up until the issue is resolved. Notification letters will be sent in August, but a specific fix for the problem is still being determined.

These recalls are part of a broader pattern of air-bag-related issues in the automotive industry, with previous recalls involving Takata air bags and more recent concerns about counterfeit air bags. The Takata air bag recall was one of the largest in U.S. history due to exploding inflaters, while counterfeit air bags have caused fatalities and serious injuries. Federal regulators have been working to address these ongoing safety concerns, but challenges remain in tracing counterfeit parts and enforcing regulations.