Airbags are among the most critical safety features in any modern vehicle, designed to deploy within milliseconds during a crash to protect occupants from serious injury or death. They are usually reliable and remain unnoticed until needed. However, when an airbag system malfunctions, the consequences can be dangerous—sometimes even deadly. Just when it seemed the automotive industry was putting airbag issues behind it, Volkswagen (VW) has announced a new safety concern affecting thousands of its vehicles around the globe.
According to a recent communication from VW, a defect has been identified in the front passenger airbags of several models. The issue is not limited to reduced protection during a collision—though that alone would warrant attention. In a more alarming development, the automaker warns that the housing of the airbag could rupture upon deployment in a crash. If this occurs, metal or plastic fragments could be propelled into the cabin, posing a potentially lethal risk to passengers. The root of the problem has been traced to a faulty gas generator component inside the airbag module.
In total, 16,510 Volkswagen vehicles are affected by this latest recall. The models impacted include popular names like the VW Polo, Passat, and Taigo, as well as the newer ID.7, ID.7 Tourer, and the electric ID.Buzz van. Volkswagen has not yet disclosed which specific model years are involved. As a precautionary measure, the company is urging owners not to use the front passenger seat until the necessary repairs are completed. This advisory underscores the seriousness of the potential risk involved.
Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted directly by Volkswagen and instructed to bring their cars to authorized dealerships for inspection and repair. The fix is expected to take between one and three hours, depending on the specific vehicle. Fortunately, not all of the recalled cars have reached customers. A significant number are still in transit or on dealership lots, and VW has confirmed that these will be repaired before delivery to new owners.
This is not the first airbag-related recall VW has issued in recent years. In November 2024, the company recalled more than 114,000 vehicles in the United States due to defective Takata airbags. Those inflators were known to explode after prolonged exposure to high heat and humidity, posing a serious risk to occupants. While the current issue does not involve Takata parts, it is a reminder that airbag safety remains a pressing concern for automakers and consumers alike.