Vehicle Recall: VW Polo and Taigo Models Affected by Airbag Safety Concerns

Johannesburg – A recall has been announced for 142 Volkswagen Polo vehicles and eight Volkswagen Taigo models due to an issue with the gas generators in the front passenger airbag module.

This week, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) confirmed the recall following a notification from Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA).

“This recall relates to a faulty component within the gas generators of the front passenger airbag module,” the NCC stated in a release on Thursday, 12 June 2025.

“If an accident occurs that necessitates the deployment of the front airbag, the protection offered by the front passenger airbag may be diminished, increasing the risk of injury to the passenger.”

“Moreover, the gas generator housing could potentially rupture, or components of the gas generator housing may separate, leading to serious or fatal injuries for vehicle occupants.”

The supplier has informed that 141 Polo vehicles were available for sale across the country beginning 20 December 2022, while one Polo and eight Taigo vehicles were available from 29 January 2024.

Consumers impacted by this recall are encouraged to take the following actions:

• Turn off the front passenger airbag.
• Refrain from using the front passenger seat.
• Bring the vehicle to any VWSA-approved dealership for inspection and, if needed, replacement of the affected parts.