Surprise!
Volkswagen Group of America is recalling more than 50,000 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport SUVs for inadvertent airbag deployments. The air conditioning system drain tube could be blocked, causing water to leak inside the vehicle near the air bag control module. If so, water can accumulate and leak inside the vehicle. The water may damage the airbag control module. The airbag warning light may illuminate if a malfunction is detected.
Incorrectly manufactured parts at a sub-supplier, Air International Thermal of Auburn Michigan, for the air conditioning system is the cause of the safety defect. The so-called remedy component is the same part number as the recalled part which has been correctly manufactured. In an apparent attempt to limit the cost of the recall, the recalled part will be repaired if affected, not replaced. The recalled part is the Air Conditioner Evaporator Housing, part number 3QF.820.007.
Dealers will repair the drain tube and replace the air bag control module, as necessary, free of charge as required by U.S. federal law. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed January 14, 2022. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available.
Chronology
- July 27, 2021: VW Chattanooga receives information about a case in which the airbags deployed without an accident/impact to the vehicle. Analysis started.
- July 2021 – September, 2021: Root cause analysis and determination of potentially affected vehicles with supplier initiated. Ongoing field monitoring.
- September 30, 2021: Topic was presented in Volkswagen’s Pre-Product Safety Committee. Further details requested.
- October 20, 2021: Topic was presented to Volkswagen’s Product Safety Committee. Clarification regarding scope requested.
- November 10, 2021: Topic was presented in Volkswagen’s Product Safety Committee and a recall was decided.
Owners can contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 87H4. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V892000.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Volkswagen Recalls Atlas SUVs for Sudden Air Bag Explosions
Surprise!
Volkswagen Group of America is recalling more than 50,000 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport SUVs for inadvertent airbag deployments. The air conditioning system drain tube could be blocked, causing water to leak inside the vehicle near the air bag control module. If so, water can accumulate and leak inside the vehicle. The water may damage the airbag control module. The airbag warning light may illuminate if a malfunction is detected.
Incorrectly manufactured parts at a sub-supplier, Air International Thermal of Auburn Michigan, for the air conditioning system is the cause of the safety defect. The so-called remedy component is the same part number as the recalled part which has been correctly manufactured. In an apparent attempt to limit the cost of the recall, the recalled part will be repaired if affected, not replaced. The recalled part is the Air Conditioner Evaporator Housing, part number 3QF.820.007.
Dealers will repair the drain tube and replace the air bag control module, as necessary, free of charge as required by U.S. federal law. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed January 14, 2022. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available.
Chronology
Owners can contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 87H4. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V892000.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.