After discovering a potentially deadly airbag fault, Volkswagen South Africa has recalled 150 vehicles, 142 VW Polos and 8 VW Taigo models. The National Consumer Commission (NCC) issued the alert on Thursday, warning drivers of a critical defect in the gas generator of the front passenger airbag.
“In the event of an accident with deployment of the front airbag, there may be a reduced protective effect by the front passenger airbag and an increased risk of injury to the passenger,” the NCC stated.
Furthemore, the issue lies in a component of the gas generator housing, which could burst or break apart during an accident, posing a serious risk to passengers. Volkswagen confirmed the affected vehicles include Polos sold from 20 December 2022 and Taigos made available for sale from 29 January 2024.
VW Polo Manufacturer and NCC Advise Caution
Both the NCC and Volkswagen have urged affected owners to stop using the front passenger seat immediately.
“Affected consumers are advised to deactivate the front passenger airbag, refrain from using the front passenger seat, submit their vehicle to any VWSA-approved dealer for a check and, if necessary, replace the affected components,” the NCC said.
Moreover, the automaker has pledged to fix the defect at no cost to the vehicle owner and has begun notifying affected customers.
Risk of Injury or Death if Left Unattended
The recall comes amid global concerns over airbag-related injuries. The NCC’s warning stresses the seriousness of the fault.
“The gas generator housing may come loose and cause serious or deadly injuries to vehicle occupants,” the statement reads.
Customers have been encouraged to check their vehicle status via Volkswagen’s recall database or to contact their nearest dealer for assistance.
Would you feel safe continuing to drive a vehicle if you knew its airbag system might fail in a crash?
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