German automaker Volkswagen is recalling approximately 208,724 vehicles in the United States because of a defect involving the steering system that could increase the risk of a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The recall affects certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, 2018–2019 Volkswagen Atlas and 2019–2021 Audi Q3 vehicles, according to information released by the US vehicle safety regulator.
NHTSA said one of the bolts used to attach the steering rack to the vehicle's subframe may corrode and break. If the bolt breaks, the steering rack housing could fracture, potentially affecting the driver's ability to control the vehicle.
A fractured steering rack housing could result in a loss of steering control, which could increase the likelihood of a crash, the regulator warned.
The affected vehicles span several model years and include Volkswagen's Tiguan and Atlas sport utility vehicles, as well as the Audi Q3, which is produced under Volkswagen Group ownership.
To address the safety defect, authorized dealers will replace the right-side mounting bolt on the steering rack at no cost to vehicle owners. The repair is intended to prevent the bolt failure and reduce the risk associated with damage to the steering rack housing.
Vehicle owners affected by the recall are expected to receive notification letters beginning November 10, according to the recall information.
The recall has been registered with the NHTSA under campaign number 26V590000. Volkswagen has also assigned internal recall codes 48LG and 48VT to the campaign.
The steering system is a critical safety component because it enables drivers to control the direction of a vehicle. Consequently, a defect that could result in a loss of steering control is treated as a significant safety concern by vehicle regulators.
Owners of the affected models can check whether their particular vehicle is included in the recall through official recall information provided by Volkswagen or the NHTSA. Vehicle identification numbers (VINs) can generally be used to determine whether a specific vehicle is subject to a safety recall.
The recall does not necessarily mean that every vehicle of the listed model and model year has experienced the defect. Rather, the campaign identifies vehicles that fall within the affected production or component range and may require the specified repair.
Volkswagen's planned remedy involves replacing the right-side steering-rack mounting bolt, with the work to be performed by authorised dealers without charging vehicle owners.
The recall highlights the importance of addressing corrosion and component failures in steering assemblies, where damage to a mounting component can potentially affect the structural integrity and operation of the steering system.
Owners who receive recall notices are expected to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and arrange the required repair with an authorised dealer. The recall repair is being offered free of charge, as required under the safety recall process.
The affected Volkswagen and Audi vehicles represent several model years covering production from 2018 through 2021, depending on the model. The campaign therefore applies to a defined group of vehicles rather than all Volkswagen or Audi vehicles sold in the United States.
NHTSA's involvement reflects its role in monitoring vehicle safety defects and overseeing manufacturer recall campaigns in the United States. The agency provides recall information to consumers and works with automakers to ensure identified safety defects are addressed.
The recall will allow affected vehicle owners to have the specified steering component replaced before a potential failure occurs, reducing the safety risk associated with the reported defect.
Owners can refer to their recall notification, contact an authorised Volkswagen or Audi dealer, or consult the NHTSA's official recall database for additional information about eligibility and the repair process.
