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Volkswagen’s ID Buzz, the all-electric update
of its classic bus,
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runs on vibes.
It’s spacious, versatile, and relatively cool
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compared to other minivans.
The company said it also leads the industry in
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third row leg room, but don’t get too
comfortable back there just yet.
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A new recall spotted by Electric is targeting
the ID buzz for having too much space for
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passengers in the 3rd row.
The vehicle was designed to have 2 designated
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seating positions in the back row, so the bench
seat is logically equipped with just 2
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seatbelts.
But as the NHTSA puts it, the calculated
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seating surface width of the 3rd row rear bench
exceeds the maximum value allowed by Federal
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Motor Vehi.
Safety standards.
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In other words, it’s too comfortable, making it
too easy to squeeze in a third passenger who’d
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be left without a seat belt.
Volkswagen’s fix for the problem involves
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installing unpadded trim parts that will limit
the seating surface width.
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While it’s unclear what exactly this
uncomfortable piece will look like,
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its installation won’t require reimbursing
owners since the more than 5600 affected
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vehicles are still Than the new vehicle limited
warranty period.
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In spite of the seating snafu, the ID buzz has
been racking up design awards.
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That includes winning World Car Design of the
Year at the 2025 New York International Auto
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Show and North American Utility Vehicle of the
Year at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show.
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But while its awards pile up, sales have been a
little slower to accumulate.
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Volkswagen moved just over 3.
1000 units of the ID buzz during the fourth
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quarter and 1st quarter combined, though the
extent of the recall suggests that sales might
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be picking up during the 2nd quarter.
According to Automotive News,
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the company said the recent uptick in sales for
its electric bus is partially due to improved
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supply in California, a crucial EV market and a
natural habitat for the ID buzz.
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I’m Ben Munson, and this is manufacturing now.