Volkswagen recalls over 246K SUVs due to unexpected braking

The recall comes three days after The Related Press reported that 47 folks had complained to U.S. security regulators about the issue, some reporting practically being rear-ended by different automobiles. Many reported that warning lights and alarms would go off, the driving force’s aspect home windows would roll down and the SUVs would immediately brake whereas in visitors.

Volkswagen says in paperwork posted Friday by The Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration that the recall covers sure Atlas SUVs from the 2019 by 2023 mannequin years, in addition to the 2020 by 2023 Atlas Cross Sport.

The paperwork say {the electrical} contacts on a wiring harness in both of the entrance doorways can corrode, interrupting electrical connections. The issue could cause the aspect air baggage to deploy late in a crash, and the parking brake can come on unexpectedly. Volkswagen says in paperwork that the SUVs can brake at speeds beneath 1.8 miles per hour (3 kilometers per hour).

However lots of those that complained to NHTSA mentioned the undesirable braking occurred whereas they have been driving on metropolis streets, placing them in peril. A driver from Mansfield, Ohio, wrote in a grievance that the braking occurred a number of instances at speeds of 25 to 70 miles per hour.

Kendall Heiman, a Lawrence, Kansas, scientific social employee, mentioned her 2021 Atlas Cross Sport tried to cease a number of instances whereas she was driving on roads, usually whereas it was decelerating. Heiman mentioned she was practically rear-ended by one other SUV whereas heading right into a roundabout. It additionally braked whereas she was exiting a freeway, she mentioned.

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She and others complained that VW had no elements out there to repair their automobiles, which sat at dealerships for greater than two months. Heiman was given loaner automobiles, however a few of those that complained to NHTSA mentioned they have been instructed by sellers that VW wouldn’t present loaners.

Paperwork filed with the federal government by VW present the corporate began getting complaints in 2020. An evaluation was began, however VW initially dealt with the issue as an everyday high quality concern. In 2021 the corporate started analyzing elements taken from automobiles, and it discovered the corrosion drawback in a lab.

In February of 2022, NHTSA requested for a gathering after seeing shopper complaints, and a gathering was scheduled for March 10. VW determined to do a recall on March 4, “out of an abundance of warning,” the paperwork mentioned.

The paperwork say a restore is being developed. House owners will get letters telling them of the security threat beginning Might 10, and a second one shall be despatched when the treatment is accessible.

Volkswagen mentioned in an electronic mail that house owners who’ve considerations ought to contact VW Buyer Care at (800) 822-8987.

Complaints began to return in to NHTSA within the fall of 2020. Many homeowners, together with Heiman, mentioned alarms would beep, dashboard warning lights would come on, the driving force’s aspect home windows would roll down and the thriller braking would occur. A assessment of the complaints discovered no stories of crashes.

Heiman’s SUV obtained a substitute wiring harness final week, shortly after a reporter contacted her dealership. Wiring harnesses are bundles of wires that deal with a number of electrical connections in automobiles.