Skoda Kodiaq Recall: Your Side Airbags May Not Work As Intended In A Crash
Skoda Auto India has issued a recall for 221 units of its flagship SUV, the Kodiaq, over a safety defect that could reduce the effectiveness of the side airbags in a collision. The affected vehicles were manufactured between March 10 and December 8, 2025. If you own a Kodiaq purchased in that period, your car could be among the units covered under this action.
The issue has been identified in the inner frame of the front seats. Specifically, the edge of this inner frame has a manufacturing defect that could interfere with the side airbag deployment mechanism. In a side impact crash, the airbags are supposed to inflate rapidly to cushion the occupants.
The defective seat frame compromises this process, reducing the protection the airbag can offer at the exact moment it is needed most. The side curtain airbag, which protects head and upper body movement during a side collision, could also be affected.
Airbag failures in a crash are not hypothetical concerns. A side airbag that deploys partially or with reduced force directly increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger. In a vehicle priced between Rs 39.99 lakh and Rs 48.69 lakh, buyers reasonably expect that the safety systems will perform exactly as certified. A structural defect in the seat frame that undermines that performance is a fundamental issue, not a minor quality complaint.
The recall has been registered with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers as a mandatory safety action, which means Skoda is legally obligated to fix every affected vehicle at no cost to the owner.
The second-generation Kodiaq was launched here in April 2025. It is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine producing 201bhp and 320Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG and standard all-wheel drive. The recall applies to units built across the production window mentioned above, regardless of trim level. This covers the standard Kodiaq as well as the recently added Lounge variant, which offers a five-seat two-row layout at the top of the range.
Skoda is expected to contact all 221 affected owners directly to schedule an inspection and repair. The fix will be carried out at authorised service centres, and the entire process will be free of charge. Owners who are unsure whether their vehicle falls within the affected manufacturing dates can check the SIAM recall portal using their vehicle identification number, or contact their nearest Skoda dealership for confirmation.
Given that only 221 units are involved, this is a contained recall rather than a broad production failure. However, the nature of the defect, a compromised seat frame that directly affects airbag protection, means there is no reason to delay getting the car inspected. Skoda has acted proactively by disclosing the issue through the official SIAM channel, and owners should treat the service appointment as a priority rather than a routine visit.