Volkswagen has recalled 5,637 ID. Buzz electric vans from model year 2005 — likely every model sold so far — for a highly unusual reason: The rear seats are too wide.
Federal law specifies minimum and maximum widths for car seats. The Buzz’s third row is designed to seat two people, but it’s wide enough for three. The law says a seat that wide should have three seating positions and three seat belts.
Volkswagen notes, “The owner’s manual advises that the number of passengers is limited to the number of seats equipped with seat belts.” But should an owner be tempted to fit three in the rear anyway, one would be unbelted.
To fix the problem, dealers will install “fixed unpadded trim parts” to limit the seating surface — likely a hard plastic panel between the two outboard seats to make clear that the middle isn’t intended for passengers.
Recall repairs are always free.
Automakers recall many cars, sometimes more than once. Manufacturers try to reach every owner to warn them. However, some may fall through the system’s cracks and are left unknowingly driving recalled cars. Check our easy recall tool to determine if your vehicle has any outstanding recalls.