The problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. During production, the air conditioning system drain tube may have been twisted, causing water to drain into the air bag control module.
The risk
The wet air bag control module may result in an unintentional deployment of the air bags, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air conditioning drain tube, and if it is twisted, the drain tube and air bag control module will be replaced, free of charge. Some of the affected vehicles have had their drain tube previously replaced but did not receive a new air bag control module; the airbag control module will be replaced in these vehicles. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 87F9.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 18V-537 (18V537000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 87F9 |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module |
| Report date | August 20, 2018 |
| Owners notified | September 14, 2018 |
| Vehicles affected | 9,685 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 18V-537 repair free?
Yes. Volkswagen dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air conditioning drain tube, and if it is twisted, the drain tube and air bag control module will be replaced, free of charge.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 9,685 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.