Volkswagen recalls 271,330 U.S. vehicles for airbag deactivation issue

Volkswagen Group is recalling 271,330 vehicles in the U.S. over concerns that the front passenger airbags might not deploy when the seat is activated.

The recall covers certain 2021-24 Atlas and 2020-24 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles.

A malfunction with the passenger occupant detection system could cause airbags to deactivate in affected vehicles when a passenger is present, increasing the risk of injury if there were to be a crash, NHTSA said in its recall report made public June 26.

Volkswagen was its own parts supplier, according to the report.

Volkswagen will replace the passenger occupant detection system sensor mat as a remedy.

Volkswagen has had nine recalls this year affecting about 641,188 vehicles, according to data from NHTSA.

A spokesperson from Volkswagen could not be immediately reached for comment.

Owner letters will be mailed starting Aug. 16.