Volkswagen is recalling 208,724 Volkswagen and Audi SUVs in the U.S. over a steering rack issue that could potentially lead to a loss of steering. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said corrosion could cause a bolt connecting the steering rack to the subframe to break, potentially damaging the steering rack housing.
Volkswagen and Audi Recall Covers 208,724 Vehicles
The recall affects certain Volkswagen Tiguan and Atlas models as well as the Audi Q3. Volkswagen has issued 13 recalls so far this year, with this latest action involving a steering rack component that was installed only on certain vehicles.
According to the NHTSA recall report, about 1% of the 208,724 vehicles included in the recall are estimated to have the defect.
- 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas: 82,601 vehicles produced between November 30, 2016, and September 22, 2018
- 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: 85,713 vehicles produced between March 22, 2017, and June 18, 2018
- 2019-2021 Audi Q3: 40,410 vehicles produced between May 21, 2019, and July 16, 2021
The steering rack housing is more likely to fracture when steering loads are particularly high at low speeds, such as when parking or maneuvering through a tight space. In those situations, the vehicle can be stopped more easily if a steering problem occurs.
Investigation Began After Reports Outside North America
The first field report involving the issue was received outside North America in October 2024. Volkswagen subsequently conducted vehicle inspections and engineering evaluations over the following months.
A second similar field report was received outside the North American Region in August 2025, prompting Volkswagen to expand the scope of its investigation. A third field report, again outside North America, followed in December.
Volkswagen and Audi continued their investigation and field testing. The automakers said they are not aware of any steering rack-related issues appearing within the North American Region, and the problem is not mentioned with the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation.
Despite that, Volkswagen and Audi are issuing a voluntary recall involving the potentially faulty steering rack bolt.
What Volkswagen and Audi Owners Need to Know
The steering rack issue was phased out of production between June 2018 and July 2021 for all affected U.S. models. Owners covered by the recall can expect notification letters to be mailed on November 10.
Dealers have already been informed, and affected VINs can be searched on nhtsa.gov. However, it will take time for the replacement component to be shipped.
Because no North American vehicles have been reported to exhibit the issue described in the recall, dealers will replace only the potentially faulty bolt. The replacement component features a “highly corrosion-resistant polymer coating.”
Until the repair is completed, Volkswagen and Audi owners who hear a snap or clunk, or experience steering failure during or after a low-speed maneuver, should contact their dealer as soon as possible so the issue can be investigated.
