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Supply issue sparks targeted safety recall
The Volkswagen Group of America has issued a safety recall affecting select 2025 and 2026 Volkswagen and Audi models after a supplier problem potentially damaged front seatbelt retractor torsion bars. The defect stems from component jamming in the ball feeder mechanism at a sub-supplier, a fault that Autoliv alerted Volkswagen and Audi to on September 5, 2025. An internal review identified up to 1,042 vehicles that may contain compromised retractors.
Affected models and production windows
The recall covers a mixed lineup of combustion and electric models across multiple platforms:
- Volkswagen: 2025 Golf GTI and Golf R (produced at Wolfsburg between June 25 and July 11, 2025)
- Audi (2025): A5, A6 Sportback e-tron, S5, S6 Sportback e-tron
- Audi (2026): Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron
These cars sit on four distinct architectures: MQB for the Golf twins, MLB for the A5/S5, and Audi's MEB and PPE platforms for the full-electric models.
Why this matters
If the torsion bar inside a front seatbelt retractor is damaged, the retractor might not function as intended in a crash or sudden stop. That can reduce restraint performance for the driver or front passenger and elevate the risk of injury. Volkswagen Group of America says there have been no reports of injuries linked to this issue so far.
Fixes, timelines and owner guidance
Autoliv and the implicated sub-supplier corrected the manufacturing problem in August 2025, but due to supply chain timing the final suspect assemblies were still fitted into vehicles during September 2025. Dealers have been instructed to replace any suspect front seatbelt retractors with correctly manufactured units at no cost to customers.
- VINs of affected vehicles were uploaded to Volkswagen and Audi consumer websites on September 26, 2025.
- Owners and lessees are scheduled to be notified by first-class mail around November 21, 2025.
- To check eligibility immediately, customers can enter their VIN on the brand consumer recall pages.
What owners should do now
If you own one of the listed models, look up your VIN online or contact your local dealer. If your vehicle is flagged, the dealer will replace the front seatbelt retractor free of charge. It’s a quick safety repair but important — don’t delay.
Context and model highlights
The recall affects a relatively small number of vehicles compared with total production volumes, but it reaches both petrol-powered and battery-electric models — a reminder that supply-chain quality can ripple across platforms.
For context on the Volkswagen vehicles involved: the 2025 Golf GTI starts at around $32,445, powered by the iron-block EA888 four-cylinder that delivers about 241 hp and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque. The Golf R, which brings all-wheel-drive 4MOTION and sportier tuning, is priced near $47,100 and produces roughly 328 hp with peak torque advertised at about 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) for U.S. spec.
On the Audi side, the S6 Sportback e-tron in Premium quattro form is priced from about $78,700 and is a performance-oriented plug-in hybrid that can sprint to 60 mph in roughly 3.7 seconds — underlining the breadth of models touched by this recall.
"Dealers will replace suspect retractors at no charge; VIN checks are available now on the official websites," said a company representative.
If you follow automotive news, this recall is a useful case study in how a small component or feeder jam at a supplier can force manufacturer-wide actions across multiple model lines. The practical takeaway for owners: check the VIN, schedule the free service if required, and keep vehicle safety a top priority.
Source: autoevolution
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