SAFETY RECALL: VW wants your new Polo for faulty rear seatbelt lock fixtures

Volkswagen has issued a safety recall for its new Polo Hatchback as a result of a potential “technical issue” with the car’s rear seatbelt lock fixtures.

According to Volkswagen SA, about 8 367 Polos will be included in the recall.

In a statement out of Wolfsburg, the automaker explained that there was “the possibility that in rare situations (e.g. sudden quick lane changes with five passengers on board) and when the rear centre seat and the rear left seat are occupied at the same time, the left seatbelt lock could be unintentionally released”.

“At Volkswagen, safety remains a main priority and the brand has identified a technical solution: a redesigned belt lock fixture, which will prevent this from happening,” the statement added.

However, Volkswagen emphasised that while its Polo is “legally homologated and safe to drive”, it advises customers “not to use the middle seat of the new Polo until the car [is] equipped with the redesigned belt lock fixture”.

So VW says it will start with the recall campaign in a few weeks’ time.

Owners will receive a letter of appointment with a Volkswagen service partner.