Volkswagen Group is recalling approximately 2.86 million Volkswagen and Audi vehicles worldwide over a potential steering problem that could, in the worst-case scenario, result in a loss of steering control. The recall involves a screw used to secure part of the vehicle’s steering system. Under certain conditions, particularly prolonged exposure to moisture and road salt, the screw can corrode and potentially break. If that happens, the steering system could be affected and drivers could lose control of the vehicle. The affected Volkswagen models include the Tiguan, Touran, Golf, Golf Variant and Caddy, with vehicles produced between September 2013 and July 2024 included in the recall. The recall also covers approximately 700,000 Audi Q3 vehicles manufactured between October 2017 and May 2024. The issue was identified through quality-control checks. Volkswagen and German vehicle safety authorities are treating the recall as a precautionary measure. So far, authorities have reported no known accidents, injuries or property damage linked to the suspected defect. The potential problem is connected to corrosion. Vehicles that have spent years operating in areas where roads are frequently treated with salt during winter could be particularly exposed to the conditions that cause the screw to deteriorate. If the screw breaks, the steering mechanism could become damaged. The risk is particularly relevant during situations that place greater loads on the steering system, including low-speed manoeuvring and parking. Volkswagen plans to replace the affected screw with a more corrosion-resistant component. The repair is expected to take up to about one hour and will be carried out free of charge at participating dealerships. The recall affects vehicles in multiple countries, with Germany accounting for a significant portion of the affected fleet. Around 950,000 vehicles are reportedly affected in Germany alone. The recall has also expanded beyond the Volkswagen and Audi models initially identified. Reports indicate that vehicles from other Volkswagen Group brands, including SEAT and Škoda, may also be affected by related steering-component concerns. SEAT has confirmed that approximately 224,000 Ateca and Tarraco vehicles are being recalled globally because of the issue. Information about the number of affected Škoda vehicles has been reported separately, although details have not been fully confirmed by the company. In the United States, more than 208,000 Volkswagen and Audi vehicles are included in the recall. The affected U.S. models include certain Volkswagen Tiguan and Atlas vehicles and Audi Q3 models. The issue is also relevant to Canadian drivers because affected Volkswagen and Audi vehicles have been sold in Canada. Canadian owners should check their vehicle identification number and official recall information to determine whether their specific vehicle is included.
Vehicle recalls can apply only to particular production periods, configurations or components, so owning one of the affected model names does not necessarily mean that every vehicle of that model is subject to the recall. Volkswagen has advised affected owners to arrange an appointment with an authorized dealer when they receive a recall notification. The replacement component is designed to provide greater resistance to corrosion. The recall comes as Volkswagen continues to deal with broader challenges in the global automotive market, including high production costs, changing consumer demand and the transition toward electric vehicles. For drivers, the company says the recall is precautionary and is intended to address the potential problem before it results in an accident or injury. Owners who receive a recall notice should follow the instructions provided by Volkswagen or Audi and have the vehicle inspected or repaired as directed. The large-scale recall highlights the importance of monitoring components that can deteriorate over many years, particularly vehicles regularly exposed to winter road salt and harsh environmental conditions. While no injuries have been linked to the defect so far, a potential loss of steering represents a significant safety concern, which is why Volkswagen is replacing the affected component across the recalled vehicles.