Volkswagen, Skoda Recall 47K Cars in India Over Safety Risk

In a key safety breakthrough, Volkswagen and Skoda have carried out a voluntary recall of 47,235 vehicles produced from May 24, 2024 to April 1, 2025 because of a potentially hazardous rear seatbelt fault.

The recall affects popular cars such as Skoda Kushaq, Slavia, Kodiaq, and Volkswagen Virtus and Taigun, and is being undertaken in accordance with the official statistics announced by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

What's the Safety Issue?

A fault has been identified in the rear seatbelt system as per the official reports. The defect is:

• Failure of the latch plate in the rear seatbelt buckle
• Failure of the webbing near the rear center seatbelt assembly
• These malfunctions would significantly impair passenger safety in a collision, enhancing the likelihood of serious harm.

Breakdown of Recalled Units

• Skoda Vehicles Affected: 25,722 units
• Models: Kushaq, Slavia, Kodiaq
• Volkswagen Vehicles Affected: 21,513 units
• Models: Virtus, Taigun
• Total Units Recalled: 47,235 cars

What Do Owners Need to Do?

If you have one of the cars listed, do the following:

• Check Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• Visit Official Recall Sites:
• Skoda Recall Checker
• Volkswagen Recall Checker
• Arrange a Free Inspection and Fix at the nearest approved dealership if your car is included.

The two companies have assured that fixes will be made free of charge.

Why Seatbelts Are Important

Seatbelts are essential to survival in a crash, and even the finest safety ratings mean nothing if the seatbelt system does not hold. Whether front or rear seat passenger, a working seatbelt is your primary protection in an impact.

Company Response

Volkswagen and Skoda both stated that they are actively contacting concerned customers and will shortly be launching a nationwide service campaign. If you receive notification, don't take it lightly—get your car checked as soon as possible.

"Customer safety is our highest priority," a spokesperson for Skoda Auto India told us. "We request all concerned owners to respond quickly."

Also Read: Lamborghini Temerario Launched in India at ₹6 Cr – 920 Bhp Hybrid Supercar

Conclusion: Act Now for Your Safety

If you have a Skoda Kushaq, Slavia, Kodiaq or a Volkswagen Virtus or Taigun rolled out between these periods, inspect your recall status at once. It's free of cost that may just help save lives.