Component
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What Happened
The rear seat belt retractor in your vehicle is the part that keeps the seatbelt locked and secure for your passengers. In some 2021-2022 models, this retractor could stop working too soon, making it hard for your child's car seat to stay safely buckled in.
Risk if Unfixed
If the retractor fails, your child's car seat might not stay securely fastened, which could lead to serious injury during a crash.
Free Fix
Your local Volkswagen or Audi dealer will check your seat belts and replace the faulty retractor if necessary – at no cost to you. You'll receive a notice in the mail with instructions on what to do next, but you can also call Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi at 1-800-253-2834 to get started.
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 →