Volkswagen recalls more than 246K SUVs amid unexpected braking, air bag issues

DETROIT, Mich. — Volkswagen is recalling more than 246,000 sport utility vehicles in the United States and Canada because faulty wiring harnesses can make them brake unexpectedly, multiple media outlets reported.

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The recall covers certain 2019-2023 Atlas and 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport models, Fox Business reported, noting that the two large SUV models combine to account for the second-most popular Volkswagen vehicles in the U.S.

According to ABC News, the recall comes three days after The Associated Press reported that 47 people had complained to U.S. safety regulators about the problem, with some reporting nearly being rear-ended by other vehicles, and many reporting that “warning lights and alarms would go off, the driver’s side windows would roll down and the SUVs would suddenly brake while in traffic.”

Documents posted Friday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that the electrical contacts on a wiring harness in either of the front doors can corrode, interrupting electrical connections. The problem can cause the side air bags to deploy late in a crash, and the parking brake can come on unexpectedly, the network reported.

Per the recall, owners of affected vehicles will be notified by May 10 but can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov now for more information.

No accidents or injuries have been reported to date related to the recall, Fox Business reported.

New parts for repair have been in short supply due to the ongoing supply chain issues affecting the automotive industry, the network reported.

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