Two models of Volkswagen Group hatchback sold in New Zealand are part of a new global recall — the current-generation 2018 Volkswagen Polo and Seat Ibiza. The Seat Arona compact crossover has also been impacted by the same recall (since it's based on largely the same architecture underneath), but it's still to hit the Kiwi market.
The recall is a global one concerning rear seatbelts. It's said that a latch can release itself without prompt while three passengers are sitting in the back seats.
It's the second recall in as many months for rear seatbelts, following on from Holden's recall on the new ZB Commodore in April.
Although, this time, the fault wasn't announced by the manufacturer — but rather by a Finland-based media outlet called Tekniikan Maailma.
Their studies showed that under load, one particular buckle can suddenly become detached unannounced — an issue that can be witnessed first hand in their video above.
Further detail from Auto Express states that the issue stems from the socket of the rear centre seatbelt pushing down on the release button for the left-rear belt while under stress. Following the reports, Volkswagen Group issued the global recall. It covers approximately 410,000 cars internationally.
"There is the possibility that in rare situations [...] when the rear centre seat and the rear left seat are occupied at the same time, the left seat belt lock could be unintentionally released" said the manufacturer.
"The brand advises its customers not to use the middle seat of the new Polo until the car will be equipped with the redesigned belt lock fixture. They then said that car owners would be contacted "within the next few weeks."
The amount of cars impacted by the recall in New Zealand is less than 200, with that number made up mainly by the popular Polo.