Second Seatbelt Recall Hits Skoda, Volkswagen India: Over 1,800 Units Affected

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has announced its second seatbelt-related recall within two months, this time affecting 1,821 vehicles produced between December 2021 and May 2025. The recall concerns rear seatbelt components in specific units of the Skoda Slavia, Kushaq, and Kylaq, as well as the Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus, all of which are locally manufactured models. The repeated issue raises serious questions about the consistency of rear seatbelt quality across some of the group’s most popular offerings in India. 

When contacted, a spokesperson for Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited told Acko Drive, "As a part of the Group's commitment to customers, to maintain the highest standard of Safety and Quality, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India is conducting a recall of the Škoda Slavia, Kushaq, Kylaq and Volkswagen Virtus and Taigun models to address a potential seat belt concern. Our authorised service centres are proactively reaching out to the customers to ensure swift and seamless resolution."

Also Read: Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Recalls Over 47,000 Units Of Kushaq, Slavia, Kylaq, Taigun, Virtus

What’s the Problem?

According to the SIAM document, the rear seatbelt assembly (left and right side) in certain affected vehicles may have a “frame crack in the metal base”, a structural issue that can compromise occupant safety. In addition, incorrect parts appear to have been installed in some vehicles, leading to an increased risk of failure during a crash. 

Here’s a breakdown:

• 860 units of the Skoda Slavia, Kushaq and Kylaq
• 961 units of the Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus

Imported Volkswagen models like the Golf GTI, Tiguan R-Line and even the Tiguan are not affected by this issue.

Is This the First Time? 

No, this is the second recall for the same issue in 2025. Back in May, SAVWIPL recalled 47,235 units of the same models due to similar seatbelt concerns, an unusually high number for such a safety-critical component. 

While the first round was seen as a proactive quality intervention, the recurrence suggests deeper systemic issues, possibly around part sourcing, quality assurance, or batch tracking. 

What Happens Next?

As per standard recall protocol:

• The company is expected to directly contact all affected customers. 
• Owners can also check recall status themselves by visiting the Skoda India or Volkswagen India recall microsites and entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). 
• If affected, the rear seatbelt assemblies will be inspected and replaced free of cost. 

Why It Matters: What If It's Not Fixed?

If the defective seatbelt frame cracks during a collision, it may fail to restrain rear-seat passengers, leading to a higher risk of injury or death. In a time when rear-seat safety is gaining awareness in India, especially after high-profile road accidents, any compromise on seatbelt integrity is a serious concern. 

What makes this issue especially worrying is that it's not limited to older models; even vehicles manufactured as recently as May 2025 are part of the recall. This highlights the need for heightened vigilance among new car buyers as well. 

The Bigger Picture

While product recalls are not uncommon in the automotive industry, repeated recalls for the same issue, especially involving core safety equipment like seatbelts, are bound to shake consumer confidence. For Skoda and Volkswagen India, this incident adds pressure to tighten supplier quality controls and rebuild trust, particularly as both brands aim to expand market share in the high-volume Indian market.