Volkswagen and Audi steering rack recall: affected models, years and campaign codes

© A. Krivonosov

A single steering rack fastener has triggered a major Volkswagen and Audi recall. More than 2.1 million vehicles worldwide are due to visit workshops, including some built as far back as 2013.

According to German motoring club ADAC, the problem involves a steering gear mounting bolt. Under certain conditions it can corrode and, in the worst case, break. That can compromise the steering connection and potentially lead to a loss of steering control.

The Volkswagen campaign covers Golf, Golf Variant, Tiguan, Touran and Caddy vehicles produced from September 24, 2013 to July 1, 2024. Audi is recalling Q3 models built from October 31, 2017 to May 23, 2024. The production window therefore spans more than a decade. Nearly 1 million vehicles are affected in Germany alone.

No property damage or injuries linked to the defect have been reported so far. Owners of affected vehicles will receive a free repair: the mounting point will be inspected and the installed bolt replaced with a more corrosion-resistant version. The manufacturer campaign codes are 48VS for Volkswagen and 48LG for Audi.

For cars imported from other European markets, the issue may also be relevant even where no separate national recall has been announced. Golf, Tiguan, Touran, Caddy and Audi Q3 models from the affected years are widely traded as used vehicles across borders.

A matching model and model year alone is not enough to confirm participation in the campaign: eligibility is determined by VIN. Vehicles of European origin built within the stated periods are the ones that particularly warrant checking.

This is not Volkswagen’s first recent recall involving a similar component. In September 2026, a separate US campaign, NHTSA 26V590000, was announced for 208,724 vehicles because of corrosion of a steering rack mounting bolt. It covers certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, 2018–2019 Atlas and 2019–2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. The US manufacturer codes are 48VT for Volkswagen and 48LG for Audi, with owner notification letters scheduled for November 10, 2026.

In Germany, the current campaign is registered as KBA 17016R for Volkswagen and 17014R for Audi. Owners of affected vehicles are instructed to contact a workshop, where the steering gear mounting will be checked and the bolt replaced free of charge with a more corrosion-resistant part.