Volkswagen Group recalls 2.86 million Volkswagen and Audi vehicles — RMF24

Polish portal RMF24 reported that Volkswagen Group has announced a preventive recall of 2.86 million Volkswagen and Audi vehicles. The reason is a defective bolt whose corrosion could, in the worst case, lead to a loss of the ability to steer the vehicle.

Models and number of vehicles

The issue concerns Volkswagen Tiguan, Touran, Golf, Golf Variant, and Caddy vehicles manufactured from September 2013 to July 2024. Audi Q3 vehicles produced from October 2017 to May 2024 are also subject to the recall.

According to Euronews, nearly 2.16 million Volkswagen vehicles and more than 696,000 Audi vehicles worldwide are potentially affected.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

Risk to steering

The bolt may corrode, including due to road salt and prolonged use. If the bolt head breaks off, the steering rack will remain attached to the subframe at only one point.

As stated in a report by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, further stress under such conditions may cause a crack in the steering rack housing and a loss of the ability to steer the vehicle. This is most likely to occur while parking or maneuvering at low speed, when the load on the steering system is particularly high.

Warning signs may include unusual metallic rattling or knocking sounds near the front axle. Germany's vehicle agency said it has so far recorded no incidents resulting in injuries or property damage. The defective bolt is to be replaced with a more corrosion-resistant part; according to the Associated Press, the repair will take up to one hour.