Component
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The rear seat belt in your vehicle has a special mechanism that locks automatically when it senses a child seat is buckled in. In some 2021 and 2022 models, this mechanism can fail early, which means your child's seat might not be secured properly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the rear seat belt fails to lock, your child's safety seat might not be secure, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. This is especially concerning because a child restraint system is designed to keep them safe in an accident.
Free Fix
Your Volkswagen or Audi dealer will inspect the middle-rear seat belt and replace it if necessary, at no cost to you. You'll receive a recall notice, and you should schedule the repair as soon as possible.
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 →