Volkswagen and SEAT are recalling three new models as a result of a safety issue concerning a rear safety belt that can become released in certain driving conditions. SEAT is part of the Volkswagen group.
This latest safety recall involves the new Polo, which has only gone on sale here this year and both the SEAT Ibiza and Arona. The Ibiza recall covers cars bought last year and this year, while the Arona recall only involves new cars bought this year. It arises after a rear seat belt was found to have been released during certain driving conditions, such as quick lane changes and when the car has five passengers on board. It's understood some 2,000 Polo cars are affected in Ireland and over 1200 SEAT cars.
The SEAT Ibiza is one of the three cars affected.
A statement from the Volkswagen Group says: "There is the possibility that in rare situations, and when the rear centre seat and the rear left seat are occupied at the same time, the left seat belt lock could be unintentionally released".
The seat belt lock has now been redesigned.
The statement says that the Polo is "legally homologated and safe to drive". However VW is advising its customers not to use the middle seat of the new Polo until the car is equipped with the redesigned belt lock fixture.
Volkswagen says it is now working to solve the immediate problem and prevent it happening again.
A recall campaign is due to get under way in the next few weeks and customers will receive a letter advising them to make an appointment with a Volkswagen service partner. The check, as well as the implementation of the redesigned belt lock fixture will be free of charge.
Orders for all the models affected will continue to be taken but cars will only be delivered after the problem has been fixed.
