Volkswagen has officially announced a global service campaign covering 16,510 cars worldwide due to a dangerous defect in the passenger airbag. This concerns the possibility of a malfunction of the gas cartridge, which in the event of an accident may not only not provide adequate protection for the passenger, but also cause physical damage - the device housing may burst, scattering fragments inside the cabin. This poses a real threat to the life of a person sitting in the front passenger seat.
Several current Volkswagen models are at risk, including the popular Polo hatchbacks, Taigo crossovers, Passat sedans, as well as the ID.7, ID.7 Tourer electric cars and the ID.Buzz minivan. It is noteworthy that the airbags that caused concern were not manufactured by Takata, which has been involved in a global scandal with similar defects in the past. This time it is a different component, made using a different technology.
Volkswagen is already sending official letters to car owners, warning them not to use the front passenger seat until official dealers fix the problem. Particular attention is paid to the flagship electric models - ID.7 and ID.Buzz, which symbolize a new era for the brand. Currently, the concern is working to ensure the supply of new, safe components and coordinate repair schedules through authorized workshops.