# Volkswagen and Audi expand global steering recalls > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/volkswagen-and-audi-vehicle-safety-recalls > Updated: 2026-09-25T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 147. Developments: 4. Volkswagen and Audi have expanded their global steering recalls, which now affect approximately 2.86 million vehicles due to a potential steering failure. The defect involves a fastening screw in the steering gear that may corrode and break, potentially leading to a complete loss of steering control. The scope of the recall includes Volkswagen models such as the Golf, Golf Variant, Tiguan, Touran, and Caddy produced between September 24, 2013, and July 1, 2024. Audi models affected are primarily the Q3, with production dates ranging from October 31, 2017, to May 23, 2024. Recent reports suggest the scope may also include certain Škoda vehicles and Seat models, specifically the Ateca and Tarraco, with some estimates suggesting the total number of affected vehicles could reach up to four million globally. In Germany alone, nearly one million vehicles are subject to the recall, with the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) monitoring the situation. The corrosion of the critical screw may be exacerbated by environmental factors, such as prolonged exposure to road salt. To resolve the issue, authorized workshops will replace the faulty components with more corrosion-resistant versions free of charge. The repair is expected to take approximately one hour. Volkswagen has stated that the recall is a “precautionary measure” and, as of the latest reports, no accidents, injuries, deaths, or property damage have been linked to these steering defects. Affected owners are advised they can continue to drive their vehicles until they receive an appointment at an authorized service center. ## Claims - Approximately 2.16 million Volkswagen vehicles and 700,000 Audi vehicles are potentially affected worldwide. (disputed by 44 sources) - No accidents or personal injuries have been reported in connection with this defect so far. (disputed by 29 sources) - Approximately 2.86 million Volkswagen and Audi vehicles are potentially affected worldwide. (disputed by 18 sources) - The Audi Q3 is the specific Audi model affected by the recall. (corroborated by 46 sources) - The repair involves replacing the faulty screw with a more corrosion-resistant version at no cost to the owner. (corroborated by 43 sources) - Volkswagen and Audi are conducting a global vehicle recall. (corroborated by 43 sources) - Affected Volkswagen models include the Golf, Golf Variant, Tiguan, Touran, and Caddy. (corroborated by 42 sources) - A screw in the steering gear may corrode and break, potentially leading to steering failure. (corroborated by 41 sources) - Nearly one million vehicles in Germany are subject to the recall. (corroborated by 22 sources) - The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) reported the defect. (corroborated by 14 sources) - The KBA is monitoring the recall under reference number 16765R. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The internal recall code for the action is KWS. (corroborated by 6 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-25: Volkswagen and Audi recall millions of vehicles over steering defect Volkswagen Group is recalling approximately 2.86 million vehicles, including Audi, Skoda, and Seat models, due to a steering screw corrosion risk that could lead to loss of steering control. 135 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/opel-recalls-thousands-of-astra-models-over-speed-limit-software-error ### 2026-09-21: Volkswagen recalls 208,000 vehicles in U.S. over steering defect Volkswagen is recalling over 208,000 vehicles in the U.S., including Tiguan, Atlas, and Audi Q3 models, due to a steering rack bolt defect that could cause loss of control. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/volkswagen-recalls-208000-vehicles-in-us-over-steering-defect ### 2026-09-19: Audi recalls Q3 models in Europe over seatbelt defect Audi is recalling certain German-made Q3 models in Europe due to faulty seatbelt welds, but Audi Vietnam confirms no locally distributed vehicles are affected by the 68GG recall campaign. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/audi-recalls-q3-models-in-europe-over-seatbelt-defect ### 2026-09-18: Volkswagen recalls 208,724 vehicles in U.S. over steering defect Volkswagen is recalling over 208,000 vehicles in the U.S., including Tiguan, Atlas, and Audi Q3 models, due to a steering rack bolt that may corrode and break, potentially causing loss of steering control. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/volkswagen-faces-major-us-vehicle-recall-and-profit-warning --- Cite as: Volkswagen and Audi expand global steering recalls. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/volkswagen-and-audi-vehicle-safety-recalls