Volkswagen e-Golf and Golf R rear head restraints may loosen

NHTSA campaign 18V803000 · Reported 2018-11-14 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

medium How serious is it? About this label

This does not affect how the car drives and there is no warning to stop driving, but it could mean worse neck and head injuries for rear-seat passengers in a crash, so get it checked promptly.

What's wrong, in plain English

Volkswagen is recalling certain 2018 e-Golf and Golf R cars, along with some Audi A3 Sedan and RS3 models. The metal sleeves that hold the back-seat head restraints in place may have been welded to the seat frame incorrectly at the factory. If those welds are wrong, the head restraints for the rear seats may not stay firmly in position. In a crash, they could shift or give way instead of supporting the heads of people riding in back.

What you should do

1. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your car is included.
2. Call a Volkswagen dealer (customer service 1-800-893-5298, or Audi 1-800-253-2834) and ask for recall 72H8 or 72H9.
3. Have the dealer inspect the welds and replace the rear seat frame if needed — the repair is free.

Affected vehicles (2)

2018 Volkswagen E-GOLF
2018 Volkswagen Golf R

Who to contact

Volkswagen — official Volkswagen recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-893-5298

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Why were Volkswagen front seats recalled for bolts and welds? · all 3 Volkswagen recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf and Golf R vehicles, and Audi A3 Sedan and RS3 vehicles. The rear seat frame head restraint guide sleeves may be incorrectly welded to the seat frame.
Safety risk: If the guide sleeves are incorrectly welded, in the event of a crash, the rear seat head restraints may have reduced stability, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners, and dealers will inspect the guide sleeves for incorrect welds, replacing the rear seat frame, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72H8 (VW) and 72H9(Audi).

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.