The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has confirmed the recall of 142 Volkswagen Polo vehicles and 8 Taigo vehicles due to a critical safety defect involving the gas generators in the front passenger airbag module. This significant recall, proactively announced by Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA), affects a portion of vehicles sold in the country between late 2022 and early 2024.
The defect poses potentially life-threatening risks. In the event of an accident, the airbags may fail to deploy properly, resulting in reduced protection for passengers, an alarming situation that raises the stakes for vehicle safety. Further compounded by the gas generator housing’s risk of bursting or releasing loose components, the implications for occupants could be serious or even fatal.
According to VWSA, the problematic vehicles include 141 Polo models that were made available for sale nationally from 20 December 2022, alongside one Polo and the eight Taigo models that reached consumers starting 29 January 2024. The sheer number of vehicles involved underscores the urgency of addressing this safety issue promptly.
Steps for affected consumers
The NCC strongly advises affected owners to take immediate action to protect themselves and their passengers. Here are the recommended steps:
- Deactivate the front passenger airbag.
- Refrain from using the front passenger seat until further notice.
- Submit the vehicle to any VWSA-approved dealer for inspection and necessary replacement of affected components.
This recall is a stark reminder of the automotive industry’s commitment to safety and the crucial role regulative bodies play in protecting consumers. Volkswagen has initiated this recall process to avert the potential consequences of faulty airbag deployments, reflecting a proactive stance towards ensuring the safety of their drivers and passengers.
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