Volkswagen India is set to recall over 21,000 Taigun and Virtus units due to potential rear seatbelt safety issues
Volkswagen India is preparing to initiate a large-scale recall involving two of its popular models—the Taigun SUV and the Virtus sedan—following the identification of a potential safety issue with their rear seatbelt systems. The move is expected to impact 21,513 units manufactured between 24th May 2024 and 1st April 2025.
Rear Seatbelt System Under Scrutiny
The recall stems from a quality control review that flagged possible defects in the rear seatbelt components of the affected models. Sources familiar with the matter have indicated that the seatbelt buckle latch plate, particularly for the rear seats, may be prone to failure. Additionally, the webbing of the centre rear seatbelt and the buckle for the rear right seatbelt could also be compromised, especially in the event of a frontal collision. These issues, if left unaddressed, pose a risk to passenger safety during impact.
Models and Variants
The Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus, which are both offered with a choice of 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines, cater to a wide range of buyers with manual and automatic transmission options. The starting ex-showroom prices for the Taigun and Virtus currently stand at Rs. 11.80 lakhs and Rs. 11.56 lakhs respectively.
Next Steps and Official Communication
While Volkswagen India has not yet released a formal announcement detailing the recall process, an official statement is anticipated next month. Vehicle owners whose cars were manufactured within the specified timeframe are advised to remain alert for updates from the automaker regarding inspection and corrective measures.
This precautionary action underscores the brand’s commitment to customer safety and vehicle reliability, even as the exact scope and execution plan of the recall are still pending confirmation.
