A precautionary recall from the Volkswagen Group of America covers 2.86 million Volkswagen- and Audi-branded vehicles after the automaker flagged a screw problem that could result in a loss of steering.
Here's what to know
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall includes Audi Q3 vehicles built from October 2017 through May 2024, along with Volkswagen Tiguan, Touran, Golf, Golf Variant, and Caddy models produced between September 2013 and July 2024.
In the NHTSA's Safety Recall Report, it noted that "corrosion at the affected left-hand-drive steering rack-to-subframe mounting connection may lead to a fraction of the bolt head… If the bolt head fractures… Continued loading may result in a fracture of the steering rack housing, which could lead to a loss of steering capability."
In the U.S., nearly 209,000 vehicles are being recalled, with the global number reaching 2.86 million. Thankfully, most of the recalled vehicles are unlikely to have the issue; the NHTSA noted that only 1% of the recalled vehicles were estimated to have the defect.
Volkswagen later told the Associated Press that prolonged exposure to road salt, along with certain environmental conditions, can affect the screw over time.
The fix calls for replacing the screw with one that offers greater corrosion resistance via a new polymer coating. Volkswagen expects the repair to take about an hour.
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Owners can confirm whether their specific vehicle is included and complete the repair after Volkswagen notifies them. Vehicle identification numbers (VINs) should already be searchable for this recall.
Where can I learn more?
Vehicle safety stories show how steering defects, corrosion, and design flaws can lead to major recalls.
• In the U.S., regulators closed Tesla's steering-loss probe after an over-the-air recall.
• Honda and Acura recalled 880,000 vehicles after salted roads triggered suspension corrosion.
• By mid-June, the NHTSA had logged 300 recalls in 2026, including two Ford do-not-drive warnings.
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