Volkswagen Recalls ID. Buzz Because the Back Seat Is Too Big
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“Installing trim to reduce available seating space is clearly the cheapest fix for VW, but as an owner you are left scratching your head,” said Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety. “Do I get a recall repair that ultimately just reduces the amount of space available to rear seat passengers?”
By Ryan Felton
May 8, 2025
Volkswagen is recalling its retro-inspired ID. Buzz electric van, because the back seat doesn’t have enough seat belts for American regulations.
In a notification issued late last month, VW said the third-row bench seat of the ID. Buzz was designed for two occupants and, therefore, has two seat belts. U.S. regulators said the back seat is wide enough that three people can fit, meaning that the vehicle violated seat-size rules.
The German automaker designed the ID. Buzz as a homage to an icon of 1960s hippie counterculture, hoping sales could ride a wave of nostalgia for a simpler time in automotive design.
The recall affects roughly 5,600 ID. Buzz EVs built between September last year and this February.
Volkswagen says it is planning to fix the issue by installing a “fixed unpadded trim” to create less seating space in the back seat.
Until then, dealers have been told they can’t sell any ID. Buzz where the back seat has two seat belts.
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