U.S. warns 143,000 VW SUVs owners to keep front passenger seats empty pending fix

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tuesday owners of 143,000 recalled Volkswagen (ETR:) Atlas (NYSE:) vehicles should not let people sit in front passenger seats until they are fixed.

The recall covers 2018-2021 model year Atlas and 2020 model year Atlas Cross Sport vehicles due to faulty occupant detection systems in front passenger seats. Passenger occupant detection systems may experience a wiring fault, which could deactivate the front passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied. Volkswagen is currently developing a remedy and will notify owners when the repair is available.