Recall 24V464 covers 271,330 2020-2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs for a passenger-air-bag sensor fault. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 271,330 2020-2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs because a fault in the passenger occupant detection system wiring can shut off the front passenger air bag while the seat is occupied. A deactivated passenger air bag increases injury risk in a crash, and Volkswagen dealers will complete the free recall repair.
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What's wrong?
The passenger occupant detection system, or PODS, in the 2020-2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport is the sensor system that tells the vehicle whether someone is sitting in the front passenger seat. It works with the passenger air bag controls, so the air bag is active when the seat is occupied and the system reads the occupant correctly.
On affected SUVs, the problem starts at the cable that connects the seat heating mat to the PODS control unit. A contact fault at that connection can make the diagnostic system read a PODS fault. When that happens, the PODS deactivates, and the front passenger air bag is turned off even though a passenger is sitting there.
Volkswagen says occupants are warned if the malfunction occurs. Watch for the air bag warning light, a warning sound, an instrument-cluster error message, or the Passenger Airbag OFF indicator showing the air bag is not active.
Who's affected?
Covers both Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport across the 2020-2024 model years, all tied to the same front passenger occupant detection system.
| 2024 Volkswagen Atlas | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2023 Volkswagen Atlas | front air bag |
| 2022 Volkswagen Atlas | front air bag |
| 2021 Volkswagen Atlas | front air bag |
| 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | front air bag |
| 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | front air bag |
| 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | front air bag |
| 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | front air bag |
| 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | front air bag |
| Units affected | 271,330 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1730 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash. If the PODS system has a problem, the airbag warning light, warning sound, instrument cluster message, or Passenger Airbag OFF indicator can alert occupants. Schedule the repair soon and ask the dealer what to do if those warnings appear. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2024 Volkswagen Atlas or Atlas Cross Sport is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free PODS sensor mat and wiring harness replacement that addresses the front passenger air bag deactivation risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Volkswagen mailed one. If not, reference recall number 24V464 and Volkswagen recall 69PZ when you call.
- Avoid carrying a front-seat passenger until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician replaces the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness for the front passenger occupant detection system. This repair is available now, and parts and labor are free under the recall. If you paid out of pocket for a related PODS sensor mat or wiring harness repair before your recall notice, Volkswagen's reimbursement plan applies under this campaign. Ask Volkswagen customer service or the dealer service desk what documentation they need for the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 20, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 25, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| June 25, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 16, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 30, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V464?
Recall 24V464 covers 271,330 2020-2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles with a passenger occupant detection system fault. The fault can deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied, increasing injury risk in a crash. Volkswagen dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2024 Volkswagen Atlas or Atlas Cross Sport is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 24V464. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule replacement of the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness. Reference recall 24V464 or Volkswagen recall number 69PZ when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Volkswagen's remedy says dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness free of charge. The free repair applies at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Is it safe to drive with recall 24V464 open?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The risk is specific: a wiring fault in the passenger occupant detection system can deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied, increasing injury risk in a crash. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free repair promptly.
When did Volkswagen notify owners about recall 24V464?
Volkswagen mailed owner notification letters in phases. The listed mailing dates were September 30, 2024, October 18, 2024, December 10, 2024, December 20, 2024, and January 17, 2025. If you bought the vehicle used or missed the letter, check your VIN and call Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V464000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V464 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V464000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →