Component
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The rear seat belt retractors in your vehicle are designed to lock automatically in a crash to keep a child seat secure. In some 2021 and 2022 models, these retractors might lock too early, making it harder to secure a child seat properly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the rear seat belt retractors fail, a child restraint system may not work as designed, which could increase the risk of injury to a child in a crash.
Free Fix
Your Volkswagen or Audi dealer will inspect and replace the rear seat belt assemblies if needed, at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →