Atlas Recalled After a Control Unit Gets Wet and Inadvertently Deploys an Airbag

The 2018 Atlas has been recalled because a twisted A/C evaporator tube can drain water onto the floor of the SUV’s cabin. Not only are wet carpets stinky, but they can also damage fragile electrical components underneath. You know, like the mini computer that controls your airbags and whatnot.

Volkswagen first checked into the problem in August 2017 after complaints about wet carpets, illuminated airbag warning lights and deactivated airbag control units. VW didn't see it as relevant to safety and issued a service campaign.

10 months after sweeping the problem under the (soggy) rug, a control unit fizzled out and inadvertently deployed an airbag in a 2018 Atlas. Luckily no-one was hurt.

It’s almost as if those WARNING lights were trying to tell VW something a year ago.