Volkswagen Recalls ID.Buzz Vans for Wide Seats

Volkswagen has initiated a recall affecting approximately 5,637 of its 2025 ID.Buzz electric vans. The reason? The rear bench seat, while designed for two passengers, is too wide to meet federal safety standards.

The issue stems from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, which dictates seating width requirements to minimize crash-related injuries and fatalities. The ID.Buzz's third-row seating surface is wide enough to accommodate three people, yet it only provides two seatbelts. This poses a significant safety risk for a third passenger who could easily fit but would lack the necessary protection in an accident.

The Recall Solution

Volkswagen's solution is straightforward: installing “unpadded trim parts” to reduce the usable seating width. This modification will bring the design in line with safety regulations, ensuring that only two passengers can comfortably and safely sit in the third row. Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by Volkswagen to schedule the necessary repairs.

The recall highlights the complexities of vehicle design and the importance of stringent safety regulations. While a spacious interior is a desirable feature, it must not compromise occupant safety. This situation underscores the necessity for comprehensive testing and adherence to safety standards throughout the vehicle development process.

The 2025 ID.Buzz, launched in the US last November with a starting price of $60,000, boasts an EPA-estimated range of 234 miles. Despite this positive attribute, the recall serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor design choices can have significant safety implications.