Volkswagen and Audi Recall Nearly 2.9 Million Cars Over Steering Failure Risk
·
25.09.2026 18:27
·
2 min read
Volkswagen and Audi have launched large-scale recalls over a risk of steering gear damage and potential loss of control. According to Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), about 2.86 million vehicles worldwide are affected.
The problem involves the mounting bolt on the steering gear. Corrosion can cause it to break, after which the connection loosens, and under further load the steering rack housing may be damaged. In the worst case, the driver could lose the ability to steer the car properly.
According to ADAC, no injuries or property damage linked to this defect have been reported so far.
More than 2.1 million Volkswagens and nearly 700,000 Audis
The Volkswagen campaign covers 2,159,054 vehicles worldwide, including 895,832 in Germany. The list includes:
- Golf;
- Golf Variant;
- Tiguan;
- Touran;
- Caddy.
The combined KBA registry lists a production period from September 24, 2013, to July 1, 2024. However, that does not mean every example of the listed models built over those ten years is necessarily defective — the exact status of a specific car is determined by its VIN.
Audi is recalling another 696,547 Q3 crossovers, of which 58,555 are in Germany. This campaign lists a production period from October 31, 2017, to May 23, 2024.
In total, the two campaigns affect 2,855,601 vehicles worldwide.
The faulty bolt will be replaced free of charge
Dealers will inspect the steering gear mounting and replace the installed bolt with a more corrosion-resistant version. The repair is free for owners of affected cars.
The Volkswagen campaign runs under the internal code 48VS and is registered with the KBA as 17016R. Audi uses the codes 48LG and 17014R, respectively. Owners can check current recalls through the KBA database or with an official dealer using their VIN.
A separate, similar campaign is already under way in the United States. There, NHTSA reports 208,724 vehicles — certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguans, 2018–2019 Atlases and 2019–2021 Audi Q3s. That figure applies specifically to the US recall, not to all of North America. In Canada, the regulator has also registered a separate campaign for the same type of defect.
Because regional campaigns differ, owners should not rely on the model and model year alone but check their specific vehicle by VIN.
