David Bridges
Volkswagen has initiated a recall of 2025 ID.Buzz electric vans due to a significant safety concern regarding the rear seats. Although the seating is designed for two passengers, the width of the seat allows for three individuals to fit comfortably. According to the NHTSA report (PDF) discovered by Electrek, a total of 5,637 vehicles, produced from September 18, 2024 to February 11, 2025, are affected. The removable third-row seats of the 2025 ID.Buzz are equipped with seatbelts for only two people, yet the seating width exceeds the federal regulations outlined in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208. This standard aims to minimize fatalities in accidents by ensuring adequate safety measures for all occupants.
This means that the third row of the 2025 ID.Buzz is sufficiently spacious to necessitate three seatbelts. As it stands, accommodating a third passenger would leave them without essential safety features while the vehicle is in motion, significantly increasing their risk of injury or death in the event of a collision. To rectify this safety issue, Volkswagen plans to implement a solution that involves the installation of permanent unpadded trim parts. These modifications will effectively limit the seating surface width on the rear bench, ensuring compliance with safety regulations. The 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz electric van made its debut in the U.S. market in November 2024, with a starting price of $60,000. It boasts an EPA-estimated range of 234 miles on a full charge and offers a variety of color options.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at this link. The photos and images used in our article also come from this source. We are not their authors; they have been used solely for informational purposes with proper attribution to their original source.
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