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Volkswagen Atlas Recall 18V380: Rear Seat Belt Buckle May Release Unexpectedly in a Crash

NHTSA campaign 18V380, reported June 7, 2018, 54,729 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

The owner's manual for certain 2018 vehicles does not warn owners about child seat size limits for the second-row center seat. If a child seat base wider than 12.6 inches is installed there, the center and adjacent outboard seat belt buckles can become damaged.

A damaged buckle can release unexpectedly, which raises the risk of injury in a crash. Owners should avoid installing child seat bases wider than 12.6 inches in the second-row center position.

Volkswagen will notify owners and provide a manual supplement on child safety and child restraints. Dealers will inspect the center and left outboard seat belt buckles and replace them if needed, free of charge. Owners can contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 (recall 69X1), and should check their VIN for open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 18V380Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Component
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswaen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. The owner's manuals provided with the affected vehicles do not inform the customers about the child restraint size limitation/restrictions for the second row center seating position. As a result, the center and adjacent outboard seat belt buckles on the second row can become damaged it a child seat base is installed that is wider than 12.6 inches.
Risk
A damaged seat belt buckle can release unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the center and left outboard seat belt buckles, and replace them if necessary, free of charge. Volkswagen will also provide an owner's manual supplement addressing child safety and child restraints. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69X1.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Volkswagen Atlas2018