208,724 Volkswagen and Audi SUVs Recalled Because Steering Bolt Can Break

September 22, 2026

Volkswagen steering recall — Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 208,724 Volkswagen Tiguan, Atlas and Audi Q3 SUVs because a steering rack mounting bolt may corrode and break. The defect can potentially result in loss of steering control, and dealers will replace the affected bolt free of charge. Owners can check Volkswagen’s official recall system using their 17-digit VIN. VanderWolf Images/Shutterstock

Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 208,724 Volkswagen and Audi SUVs because a steering-system mounting bolt can corrode and break, potentially causing drivers to lose steering control.

The safety recall covers certain Volkswagen Tiguan, Volkswagen Atlas and Audi Q3 vehicles from model years 2018 through 2021. The campaign is listed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as recall 26V590000.

According to NHTSA, the problem involves a bolt that attaches the steering rack to the vehicle’s subframe. If that bolt corrodes and eventually breaks, the steering rack housing can also break.

A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Volkswagen dealers will replace the affected steering rack mounting bolt free of charge.

These Volkswagen and Audi Models Are Included

The recall covers certain vehicles from the following model years:

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas
2019-2021 Audi Q3

A total of 208,724 vehicles are potentially affected.

Owners shouldn’t assume their SUV is included based solely on its model and model year because recalls frequently apply only to specific production ranges or individual VINs.

Volkswagen maintains an official recall and service campaign lookup where owners can enter their 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number to see whether a recall or service campaign applies to their vehicle.

The VIN can generally be found through the lower portion of the windshield on the driver’s side, as well as on the vehicle’s registration, insurance card and title.

A Corroded Bolt Can Lead to Loss of Steering

The potential safety problem involves the right-side steering rack mounting bolt.

According to the recall information submitted to NHTSA, the bolt can corrode and break over time.

If that happens, the steering rack housing may also break, potentially causing a loss of steering control.

The possibility of losing steering makes this substantially more serious than a recall involving a convenience feature or non-safety-related component. A driver who loses the ability to properly steer the vehicle may be unable to safely control its direction, increasing the risk of a collision.

Owners whose vehicles are included should arrange for the recall repair rather than waiting for symptoms to become severe.

The Repair Will Be Free

Volkswagen dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt at no charge to owners.

Volkswagen has assigned recall campaign numbers 48LG and 48VT to the action.

Federal safety recalls are repaired without charge to affected vehicle owners, and Volkswagen tells customers that safety recalls affecting their vehicles should be completed without delay.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning November 10, 2026.

Owners don’t necessarily have to wait for a mailed letter to determine whether their vehicle is affected. Volkswagen’s recall lookup can identify active campaigns using the vehicle’s VIN, and affected VINs can also be checked through NHTSA’s recall system.

Find Your VIN Before Checking the Recall

The easiest way to determine whether a specific Tiguan, Atlas or Q3 is included is to have the VIN available before checking.

Volkswagen explains that the 17-character VIN can be viewed from outside the vehicle through the windshield near the driver’s side of the dashboard. Depending on the vehicle, it may also appear inside the driver’s door jamb or elsewhere on the vehicle.

Owners can also find the VIN on documents they may already have at home, including the vehicle registration, title, insurance card, finance statements and other ownership records.

That makes it possible to check the recall without going outside to inspect the vehicle itself.

Volkswagen owners can also receive recall and campaign information through the myVW app on supported vehicles.

Check the Vehicle Even If You Haven’t Received a Letter

Anyone driving one of the affected model years should check the vehicle’s VIN rather than assuming that not receiving a letter means the SUV isn’t recalled.

Mail can be delayed, and recall notices may not immediately reach someone who purchased a used vehicle or recently changed addresses.

Owners can use the Volkswagen recall lookup to check their vehicle and contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer about completing an open safety recall.

Volkswagen’s current Customer CARE number is 1-800-822-8987 for owners who have questions about their vehicles.

Because this recall involves a component that could potentially lead to loss of steering control, affected owners should arrange the free repair promptly once they confirm that their VIN is included.