Safety issue: do not use rear middle seat of new VW Polo, SEAT Ibiza and Arona

Volkswagen Group has confirmed a technical issue on the new Polo (model year 2018), SEAT Ibiza (model year 2018) and SEAT Arona (model year 2018). The German car maker says that in rare situations (e.g. sudden quick lane changes with five passengers on board) and when the rear centre seat and the rear left seat are occupied at the same time, the left seat belt lock could be unintentionally released. That is why VW Group is issuing a recall campaign.

The solution is the mounting of a redesigned belt lock fixture. The OEM stresses that the affected cars are safe to drive, but advises its customers not to use the middle seat of the new Polo, Ibiza and Arona until the cars are equipped with the redesigned belt lock fixture. Volkswagen Group is now addressing the concerned authorities for their final validation in order to implement the solution, both on vehicles in the market as well as on the future series production.

Within the next few weeks, Volkswagen Group will start a recall campaign. Customers will receive a letter so as to plan an appointment with a Volkswagen or SEAT service partner. The check, as well as the mounting of the redesigned belt lock fixture will be free of charge.

Picture copyright: VW, 2018