Rolls-Royce asks owners not to use Cullinan rear seats until May

Rolls-Royce has initiated a global recall involving the Cullinan SUV due to a failure to assemble fastening bolts for the rear seat belts and cargo compartment. The British ultra-luxury manufacturer has issued an unusual guidance to owners: the rear seats and trunk should not be used until the official repair is carried out at dealerships in May.

The technical defect, which compromises the integrity of the occupants in the event of accidents, was detected after the brand’s engineers noticed an intermittent metallic noise during road tests. Subsequent investigation revealed that essential bolts of the seat belt retractor and baggage compartment floor did not receive adequate torque on the production line.

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The severity of the failure lies in the dynamics of a possible collision. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), moving luggage in the trunk can strain the backrests of the rear seats. With loose bolts, the belts may not hold passengers properly, while the headrests are at risk of shifting forward, raising the potential for serious or fatal injuries.

The recall covers units manufactured between November 27, 2019 and November 19, 2025. In all, it is estimated that more than 1,500 vehicles in the North American market alone need overhaul. Although Rolls-Royce’s production is artisanal and low-volume, the assembly error is considered atypical for the strict quality control of the Stuttgart brand, owned by the BMW Group.

Owners will be formally notified starting in May 2026. The free service consists of inspecting and tightening the screws according to the original factory specifications. Until then, the recommendation to keep the rear seats empty remains in place as an absolute precautionary measure.