Škoda 48LS recall: steering-bolt defect on Kodiaq, Karoq, Octavia and Superb

© A. Krivonosov

The combined scale of Volkswagen Group recalls over a steering-gear fastener has risen by almost 60% after Škoda joined the campaign. A total of 4,640,855 vehicles from four brands are now potentially affected worldwide. Before the Škoda expansion, the Volkswagen, Audi and Seat campaigns covered 2,921,825 vehicles.

The new wave concerns 1,719,030 Škoda Kodiaq, Karoq, Octavia and Superb vehicles built from November 2015 through August 2026. In Germany, 370,347 cars are included. Škoda’s campaign code is 48LS, while the KBA has registered the recall as 17091R.

Before Škoda was added, Volkswagen accounted for the largest share with 2,159,054 vehicles. Another 696,547 are Audi Q3 models, while Seat contributes 66,224 Ateca and Tarraco vehicles. Across Germany, the four recalls now cover 1,368,308 cars.

The cause is linked to a steering-system mounting bolt. Škoda told German automobile club ADAC that under certain environmental conditions and after years of use in regions where road salt is applied, corrosion can develop on the fastener. If the bolt breaks, the steering connection can be compromised and, in the worst case, steering control may fail.

Being a listed model from the stated production period does not mean the defect is already present on every vehicle. Whether a specific car belongs to the recall is determined by its VIN.

The Škoda expansion has another notable detail: vehicles built as recently as August 2026 are included. ADAC notes that the potentially affected population for the first time includes cars less than three months old, even though the manufacturer primarily links corrosion development to years of use in road-salt regions.

The repair includes inspection of the steering fastener and mandatory replacement of the installed bolt. The work is free of charge to owners. However, the size of the campaign has created another issue: there are not yet enough upgraded bolts with improved corrosion resistance.

As a result, some vehicles may receive a new bolt of the previous type during the first workshop visit. It still replaces the part already fitted to the car, but the owner may later need another visit for the final upgraded fastener. Production of the corrosion-resistant version is under way and supplies to service partners are expected to increase gradually.

According to ADAC, as of 2 October manufacturers had reported no property damage or injuries in Germany linked to this defect.

The next measure of the campaign’s progress will be less about how many models are included and more about the availability of upgraded bolts in the service network, because that will determine whether a car can receive its final repair in a single visit.