VOLKSWAGEN drivers could be in for a payout after the company settled claims over a dangerous issue in cars.
The auto giant is paying current and former owners of a certain model $1,700 even if they no longer have the car.
Volkswagen is paying up to $1,700 to customers[/caption]
Volkswagen denied wrongdoing but agreed to a settlement to resolve claims about a defective part in cars[/caption]
The settlement comes after Volkswagen was sued over claims of faulty seat latches in certain model years of the Volkswagen Atlas.
The lawsuit alleged second-row seat latches can come undone while the car is moving.
The defect could cause injury in the event of sudden braking or an accident, the suit claimed.
After a battle in New Jersey federal court, VW agreed to settle the case but still denied any wrongdoing.
The automaker is now offering an extended warranty, reimbursement, and updated safety instructions to owners and leasees of 2018-2024 Atlas vehicles.
Drivers who paid out of pocket for repairs may get reimbursed in full for one repair or replacement.
To qualify, the repair must have taken place within 10 years or 100,000 miles of the vehicle’s service date.
If the fix wasn’t done at a Volkswagen dealership, the refund maxes out at $645 for latches and $1,700 for seats or seat frames.
It’s unclear how much VW will pay if you had your repairs done at one of its dealerships.
The warranty upgrade, meanwhile, will specifically cover faulty second-row seat latching systems.
The new limited warranty will run for 10 years or 100,000 miles for affected cars.
Owners will also get a new manual insert and a video showing how to properly latch the seat.
The deadline to opt out of the payment or object to it is July 7, 2025.
Claims must be submitted by August 4, 2025, to be eligible for cash or coverage.
The court will hold a final approval hearing on August 27, 2025.
Proof of purchase, such as repair records and ownership documents, is required for claims.
Volkswagen is one of the biggest auto groups in the world, with brands like Audi, Porsche, and Bentley under its belt.
Volkswagen Atlas seat defect payout – key details
- Applies to 2018–2024 Volkswagen Atlas models
- Second-row seat latch may unlatch while driving
- VW agreed to a class action settlement, denying wrongdoing
- Drivers may get up to $1,700 for seat-related repairs
- Warranty extended to 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Manual insert and how-to video will be provided
- Reimbursement covers one repair if done at VW dealer
- Repairs done elsewhere capped at $645 to $1,700
- Deadline to file claim: August 4, 2025
- Opt-out or objection deadline: July 7, 2025
- Final court hearing: August 27, 2025
Earlier in March this year, Volkswagen recalled nearly 180,000 vehicles in the US due to a potential fire risk from loose engine covers.
The issue affected certain 2024 and 2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs that may have had their engine covers improperly reinstalled during servicing.
Officials from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the loose covers could touch hot engine parts, increasing the risk of a fire.
Volkswagen ordered the recall of 177,493 vehicles to inspect and correct the problem.
