Volkswagen is recalling certain vehicles due to an issue with their seat size. Find out if yours is one of the impacted cars.
Seatbelt Shortage Sparks Recall of 6,000 Volkswagens
Seat belt laws have been in effect in the United States for decades, so it may be surprising to hear that a major automotive manufacturer has made a mistake with regards to them. But that’s exactly what has happened with a recent Volkswagen recall. Nearly 6,000 Volkswagen vehicles have seat size issues that render the vehicles unsafe, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Read on to find out what exactly the error is. And if you own one of the affected vehicles, you’ll find out how to get the problem remedied.
Why Is Volkswagen Recalling Nearly 6,000 Vehicles?
According to the NHTSA brief, “the third-row rear bench is wide enough for three passengers” in the recalled vehicles, but it “is designed for two passengers and equipped with two seat belts.”
This is a problem because seat belts are required by law. Without enough to cover all occupants, the affected vehicles “fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, ‘Occupant Crash Protection.'”
The NHTSA explains that this is dangerous. They warn that “in the event that more than two passengers sit in the rear bench seat, there would not be enough seat belts, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.” Seat belts are required for a reason. Just because you can fit three people on the rear bench seat does not mean it’s wise or legal to.
Which Volkswagen Vehicles Have This Seat Size Issue?
Volkswagen says that nearly 6,000 of its 2025 ID. BUZZ vehicles have this problem. Volkswagen has said that they will be mailing out owner letters in late June 2025, so keep an eye on your mailbox. And in the meantime, refrain from seating more than two people on the rear bench seat. Driving without wearing a seat belt is both unsafe and illegal.
What Is the Solution?
Volkswagen “dealers will install trim to adjust the width of the third-row rear seats, free of charge.” Make an appointment as soon as possible. For the sake of your passengers, it’s important that your vehicle is compliant with the aforementioned Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208.
If you have any further questions, you can contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Clarify that you’re asking about recall number 72LC. You can also reach the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236; their number for this recall is 25V269000.
Source
- Incorrect Seat Width on Rear Bench/FMVSS 208, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025.
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