There's A Problem With Thousands Of Porsches And Audis

Even the most expensive, luxurious, and powerful new vehicles are not immune to mistakes. And by mistakes we mean recalls. The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has just issued a recall for a wide range of Audis and Porsches, as well as a few examples of theBentley BentaygaandVolkswagen ID.4. The problem? The passenger or middle-rear seat belts.

More specifically, the automatic locking retractors could deactivate prematurely and could thus prevent the child restraint system from working as it should. The components were built by a Swedish supplier between October 26, 2020 and January 27, 2021. The good news is that officials have reason to believe a very small number of units are affected. However, the total number of models being questioned is quite large.

A grand total of 45,496 vehicles are being recalled though only 1 percent are estimated to have the defective part. So aside from the Bentayga and ID.4, the companies also want to look at a total of 26 Audi models, mostly from the 2021 model year, and seven Porsches, including the 911 and Taycan. The recall documents do not state any known related injuries.

Affected owners will soon be asked to bring their cars to their dealerships where a technician will inspect the affected seat belt assemblies at pre-determined seating positions. The seat belt will be swapped out free of charge if deemed necessary.

After carefully studying the matter, VW safety officials have concluded that passengers are in no immediate danger but it's better to be safe than sorry. The recall should get underway shortly but a specific start date was not provided. It's important to remember that automakers outsource a significant majority of vehicle components to suppliers.

Aside from seat belt locking retractors, things like pedals, steering wheels, and seats are often included. If it seems like there area lot of recalls these days, you'd be correct. Following huge recalls in the past decade from Takata, Toyota, GM and others, carmakers today are takingzero chanceswhen it comes to safety.