Volkswagen ID.Buzz Gets Recalled Because Its Rear Seats Are Too Comfortable

Volkswagen has issued a recall for the ID.Buzz electric van due to an unusual issue: the vehicle’s third-row seat is deemed too spacious by federal regulators. That’s right. The ID.Buzz is getting flagged by regulators because its third-row seats are too comfortable.

Why the Recall?

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz features a third row with two seat belts, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted in its recall notice that the space could actually fit three passengers. This violates safety standards, since a third passenger could simply fit themselves in the third row without a seatbelt. In the event of an accident, that possible third passenger in the ID.B Buzz’s third row will have a greater chance of injury. 

The NHTSA described the issue on its official website: “Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 ID. BUZZ vehicles. The third-row rear bench is wide enough for three passengers, but is designed for two passengers and equipped with two seat belts. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, ‘Occupant Crash Protection.'”

How Many Are Affected?

As noted by the NHTSA in its recall notice, a total of 5,637 ID.Buzz in the United States and 771 units in Canada are affected by the recall. As reported by The Drive, all ID.Buzz units are produced in Hanover, Germany, and those that are affected by the recall were produced between September 18, 2024, and February 11, 2025. 

Volkswagen will send out official notifications to affected owners by June 20. A stop-sale order has been implemented for both new and pre-owned ID.Buzz units as well, as noted in a report from Automotive News. To address the recall, Volkswagen will be installing a trim piece that will adjust the width of the vehicle’s third row seat. This trim will make the ID.B Buzz’s third row narrower and less comfortable, but it would make the vehicle compliant with the NHTSA’s regulations, at least.

EV.com recognizes Volkswagen’s efforts to expand its EV offerings despite its ongoing recall with the ID. Buzz. You can explore the best offers on Volkswagen electric vehicles and other EVs we have on our listings here.