Seattle, Washington – Owners of hundreds of thousands of SUVs in the United States are being urged to stop using the front passenger seat or rolling down the driver’s side window due to potential airbag issues, manufacturers have announced.

Volkswagen has issued a recall for over 271,000 vehicles with a wiring fault that could deactivate the front passenger airbag when the seat is occupied. Toyota, on the other hand, has recalled more than 145,000 vehicles because the driver’s side curtain airbag may deploy outside the window.

The affected Volkswagen vehicles include certain 2021 to 2024 model year Atlas vehicles and 2020 to 2024 model year Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The issue lies with a wire for the seat heating, which could cause the airbag to turn off when someone is seated in the front.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) documents, owners of the affected Volkswagen SUVs should avoid using the front passenger seat until the recall repair is completed. An airbag warning light, sound, and error message on the instrument cluster will alert passengers to any issues, with recall notification letters expected to be sent out starting Aug. 16.

In light of the airbag issues, owners can bring their vehicles to a Volkswagen dealer to have their passenger occupant detection system sensor mat and wiring harness replaced, as stated in NHTSA documents. Volkswagen will offer a reimbursement plan for the repairs.

This recent airbag recall marks the second in less than a year for 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. Previously, these models were recalled by Volkswagen due to concerns over engine failure.

Toyota’s airbag recall impacts certain 2024 model year Toyota Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid SUVs, as well as Lexus TX350, TX500 Hybrid, and TX550 Hybrid vehicles. The driver’s side curtain airbag in these vehicles may deploy outside the SUV if the window is rolled down, increasing the risk of driver injury.

Repair solutions for the airbag issue are still being determined by Toyota, as noted in NHTSA documents. Passengers are advised to keep the driver’s side window rolled up until the repair is implemented, according to Toyota spokesperson Aaron Fowles.

Both Toyota and Volkswagen have declined to comment on injury reports related to their respective recalls as the issue of faulty airbags continues to plague the automotive industry. Concerns over airbag safety have surfaced over the years, with incidents involving Takata airbags and counterfeit replacements raising significant alarm. Federal regulators have intensified efforts to address these safety concerns in vehicles, underscoring the importance of proactive measures to ensure passenger safety on the road.