A steering defect involving a single bolt is driving Volkswagen Group toward a global recall of about four million vehicles, according to a new report from Germany. The recall is expected to affect Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, and Seat vehicles worldwide and goes beyond the 208,724 vehicles already recalled in the United States.

Volkswagen Group Faces Major Global Steering Recall

According to German business newspaper Handelsblatt, the recall could become Volkswagen Group’s biggest recall since the diesel emissions scandal about ten years ago.

Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) says more than two million of the affected vehicles are Volkswagens. Skoda accounts for more than one million vehicles, while Audi has about 700,000 and Seat has 200,000.

An insider told Handelsblatt that the recall will cost Volkswagen Group a significant amount because of the large number of vehicles involved.

Volkswagen has not yet released the complete list of affected models but acknowledged that its own quality checks identified a steering issue in some vehicles. Skoda has also confirmed that it is included in the recall.

The recall covers vehicles from several years and extends across multiple regions worldwide. Individual regions will manage the recall according to local regulations and the vehicles affected in each market.

U.S. Recall Covers More Than 208,000 Vehicles

Volkswagen and Audi have already launched a recall in the United States this month for what appears to be the same steering problem identified in the German report.

The U.S. recall covers 208,724 vehicles, including the 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas, 2018 Tiguan, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3.

The issue involves corrosion that can weaken a bolt securing the steering rack to the subframe. If the bolt breaks, the steering rack housing could crack, potentially resulting in a loss of steering, particularly at low speeds.

Volkswagen estimates that about 1% of the recalled vehicles in the United States are expected to have the defect. So far, no cases have been reported in North America.

Dealers Will Replace the Steering Bolt

As part of the U.S. recall, dealers will replace the affected bolt with a more corrosion-resistant version. Owners will also receive the standard recall notification.

The U.S. action comes as Volkswagen Group prepares for a much larger global recall involving millions of vehicles across its Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, and Seat brands.