Volkswagen recalls 208,000 vehicles in U.S. over steering defect

Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 208,724 vehicles in the United States due to a defect in the steering rack mounting bolt. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the bolt may corrode and eventually fracture, which could lead to a loss of steering control and increase the risk of an accident.

The recall affects specific models, including certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, 2018–2019 Volkswagen Atlas, and 2019–2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. The issue is particularly noted during low-speed maneuvers or when the vehicle is parked, as these scenarios place high stress on the steering system.

Volkswagen and Audi have stated that no accidents, injuries, deaths, or fires have been reported in connection with this defect. Dealers will replace the faulty bolts with new versions featuring a high-corrosion-resistant polymer coating at no cost to owners. While the recall is specific to the U.S. market, the involvement of the 2018 Tiguan—which was manufactured at the Volkswagen plant in Puebla, Mexico—has drawn attention to the regional manufacturing connection.