Volkswagen recalls 208,000 SUVs over bolts that could cause steering loss

Volkswagen Group of America is recalling more than 208,000 vehicles in the U.S. over a steering rack mounting bolt that can corrode and break, potentially causing a loss of steering control.

The recall affects a total of 208,724 SUVs, including certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced.

The affected Tiguan vehicles were manufactured from March 22, 2017, through June 18, 2018, the affected Atlas vehicles were manufactured from Nov. 30, 2016, through Sept. 22, 2018, and the affected Audi Q3 vehicles were manufactured from May 21, 2019, through July 16, 2021.

The recalled vehicles were manufactured with a specific steering rack, so vehicles with a different steering rack are unaffected by the recall.

According to the notice, the right-side mounting bolt on the steering rack can corrode after moisture enters the surrounding area. If the bolt head fractures, the steering rack could remain attached to the vehicle’s subframe at only one mounting point.

According to NHTSA, continued loading could cause the steering rack housing to fracture, potentially leading to a loss of steering capability, potentially leading to a loss of steering capability.

"A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash," the NHTSA said in its notice.

Volkswagen and Audi said they are not aware of any crashes, fires, injuries or deaths linked to the defect.

Dealers will replace the right steering rack mounting bolt with a bolt featuring a highly corrosion-resistant polymer coating at no cost. The new bolt is designed to offer greater protection against corrosion.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed out on Nov. 10.