Skoda & Volkswagen Recall Cars in India (July 2025): What Owners Need to Know

In July 2025, Skoda and Volkswagen announced a new recall campaign in India targeting some of their most popular models over a critical seatbelt safety concern. If you own or are considering models like the Skoda Kushaq, Slavia, Kylaq, Volkswagen Virtus, or Taigun, here’s everything you need to know about the recall, its reasons, and what you should do next.

Recall Details at a Glance

Brand	Models	Affected Units	Recall Reason
Skoda	Kushaq, Slavia, Kylaq	860	Potential crack in metal base of rear seatbelt assembly, incorrect part installation
Volkswagen	Virtus, Taigun	961	Potential crack in metal base of rear seatbelt assembly, incorrect part installation

Background & Reason for the Recall

Scope: The recall applies to units manufactured between December 1, 2021, and May 31, 2025.
Reason:
1. During quality inspections, both brands discovered that the metal base frame of rear seatbelt assemblies could develop cracks, especially on the left and right rear seats.
2. In some cars, incorrect seatbelt components may have been installed in the front and/or rear seats.
Safety Risk: In the event of a frontal collision, a crack or incorrect part can compromise the seatbelt’s effectiveness—raising risk for rear passengers significantly.

This Is NOT the First Recall

In April and May 2025, Skoda-Volkswagen India recalled over 47,000 vehicles for the same issue—a strong sign that the manufacturer is taking all possible preventive action, even for smaller batches.

Models Affected

Skoda: Kushaq (compact SUV), Slavia (sedan), Kylaq (SUV)
Volkswagen: Virtus (sedan), Taigun (SUV)
Both 1.0L and 1.5L TSI engines and all variants are included.

What Should Owners Do?

Check Your VIN:
- Owners should check their car’s VIN on Skoda/Volkswagen’s official recall microsites or reach out to their nearest authorized dealer.
- The VIN is typically found in your car registration, under the windscreen, or on the car body.
Free Fix:
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace affected seatbelt parts free of cost.
No Reported Accidents:
- No incidents or injuries have been reported so far, according to the brands.

Why Recalls Happen & What It Means

Quality Overlaps: These models are built on similar platforms and share components, explaining common issues.
Transparency: By recalling cars—sometimes even before faults become widespread—Skoda and Volkswagen aim to demonstrate commitment to customer safety.
Proactive Safety: Recalls are standard globally, and voluntary action minimizes risk while preserving trust.

The Bottom Line

If your Skoda Kushaq, Slavia, Kylaq or VW Virtus, Taigun was built between Dec 2021 and May 2025, don’t ignore this recall notice.
Contact your dealer, schedule a free inspection, and keep your car’s safety hardware up to date. Proactive recall fixes help maintain passenger safety and manufacturer reputation—and could save lives in the unlikely event of a crash.

Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, mileage figures and feature lists cited in this article are based on publicly available information as of July 2025 and may change without notice. Always confirm the latest details with authorised dealers or the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. This content is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, technical or legal advice. Neither the author nor this website assumes any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Mileage Disclaimer: All mileage figures mentioned in this article, including ARAI-certified and real-world fuel efficiency numbers, are indicative and may vary significantly based on actual driving conditions, rider weight, vehicle maintenance, road conditions, traffic patterns, riding style, fuel quality, weather conditions, and individual vehicle variations. ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) test figures are obtained under controlled laboratory conditions and may not reflect real-world performance. Actual mileage typically ranges 10-30% lower than ARAI figures depending on usage patterns. Urban city riding generally delivers lower mileage compared to highway cruising at optimal speeds. Regular maintenance, proper tire pressure, quality fuel, and smooth riding techniques can help achieve better fuel efficiency. The mileage figures quoted from user reviews and owner reports represent individual experiences and should not be considered as guaranteed performance standards. Always test ride with a helmet and evaluate real-world performance before making a purchase decision.

Compiled from Skoda and Volkswagen official statements, CarWale, Hindustan Times, IndiaToday, and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), July–August 2025.

References: