VW bans use of front right seat

Due to an airbag issue, VW owners are having to send their passengers to the back seat – and just in time for the holidays� piese auto online.

VW bans use of front right seat

Thousands of VW owners are having to deactivate their passenger airbags and send their passengers to the back seat. The airbag is dangerous – according to information about a service campaign that is currently reaching customers.

The automaker says this could “result in a reduced protective effect of the passenger airbag.” “In addition, if the passenger airbag deploys in an accident, the gas generator housing could rupture or components could become detached, causing serious or fatal injuries to vehicle occupants,” the information says.

Service promotion for VW Polo, Passat, Taigo, ID.7, ID.7 Tourer and ID.Buzz

Danger to life! The models affected are the VW Polo, Passat, Taigo, ID.7, ID.7 Tourer and ID.Buzz. Anyone who drives one of these models and has been notified should contact their VW dealer immediately and schedule a repair appointment. The repair will be completed within one to three hours. However, it may take some time for the necessary spare parts to arrive and for the workshop to respond.

Volkswagen is aware of this as well. They recommend: “Until your vehicle is repaired, please deactivate the passenger airbag as described in your vehicle’s owner’s manual and do not use the passenger seat during this time.”

Wolfsburg is not considering compensating affected customers, but hopes for "understanding and support in implementing this precautionary measure" and thanks "for your trust in the Volkswagen brand."

Don't ignore Volkswagen's warning

Under no circumstances should vehicle occupants ignore Volkswagen's warning and ride in the front right seat without an activated airbag, even if they are wearing a seat belt. "The vehicle's restraint system consists of several components that are coordinated with each other," says expert Markus Egelhaaf from DEKRA. "And the airbag is a very important component - only with it can full protection be guaranteed."

A VW spokesman told Reuters that 16,510 vehicles worldwide are affected. The manufacturer did not specify which production periods were affected. It said only that the vehicles were “new models produced in the last few months.” Vehicles that have already been produced but are not yet in customers’ hands will be repaired before delivery.

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Thousands of VW owners are having to deactivate their passenger airbags and send their passengers to the back seat

The automaker says this could “result in a reduced protective effect of the passenger airbag