Rolls-Royce has issued a stop-use order for the rear seats of certain Cullinan SUVs due to potentially loose bolts that could compromise seat belt safety. The recall affects 102 vehicles from model years 2020-2026, where rear seat fixing bolts may not have been properly tightened during assembly.
The defect was discovered during a routine quality control test drive in January when a rattle from the right side C-pillar led investigators to find a loosened seat belt retractor bolt. BMW of North America, which distributes Rolls-Royce in the region, warns that damaged seat belts or unsecured seat backs may not adequately restrain occupants, creating injury risk during a crash.
The loose bolts can damage rear seat occupant restraining belt webbing over time or allow the seat back to move when large items are placed in the cargo area. Until vehicles can be inspected by dealers, owners are advised not to use the rear seats. This is particularly problematic for Rolls-Royce owners who typically employ chauffeurs and ride as passengers.
Dealers will inspect, tighten, or replace the bolts as needed and check safety belt webbing for damage. Stop-use notices are being mailed to all affected owners. No injuries or crashes have been attributed to this defect.
After discovering the initial problem, Rolls-Royce inspected every vehicle at their assembly plant and found only one other unit with a similar fault. The company then reviewed historic electronic torque value records to identify other potentially affected vehicles.
While 102 units represents a small fraction of the estimated 20,000+ Cullinans produced since 2018, the defect raises questions about quality control for these hand-assembled, half-million dollar luxury vehicles.
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Rolls-Royce banned rear seat use in 102 Cullinans due to loose bolts that could compromise seat belt safety.
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This is especially problematic since most Rolls-Royce owners ride as chauffeured passengers in the back seats.
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The defect raises quality control concerns for these hand-assembled vehicles costing around $500,000 each.
