Volkswagen has announced a recall for the new Polo hatchback, due to a potential “technical issue” with the sixth-generation model’s rear seatbelt lock fixtures.
Volkswagen South Africa told CARmag.co.za that a total of 8 367 local units would be included in the recall action.
In a statement out of Wolfsburg, the automaker explained that there was “the possibility 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 seatbelt lock could be unintentionally released”.
“At Volkswagen, safety remains a main priority and the brand has identified a technical solution: a redesigned belt lock fixture, which will prevent this from happening,” the statement added.
VW emphasised that while the Polo is “legally homologated and safe to drive”, it advises customers “not to use the middle seat of the new Polo until the car [is] equipped with the redesigned belt lock fixture”.
Volkswagen added that it would commence the recall campaign “within the next few weeks”, with owners set to receive a letter so as to plan an appointment with a Volkswagen service partner. The check, as well as the implementation of the redesigned belt lock fixture, would be conducted without cost to the owner.
