Volkswagen and Audi are recalling over 2.8 million vehicles due to a faulty steering screw

What models are at risk?

The problem affects Volkswagen Tiguan, Touran, Golf, Golf Variant and Caddy models manufactured between September 2013 and July 2024 and Audi Q3 models manufactured between October 2017 and May 2024.

Nearly 2.16 million Volkswagen vehicles and more than 696,000 vehicles are potentially at risk worldwide. Audi cars – reported by Euronews.

There is even a risk of losing control of the vehicle

The problem is a faulty screw that corrodes - among other things, due to road salt or many years of use. If it breaks, in the worst case scenario, it may even result in losing the ability to drive the car.

"If a bolt head breaks, the steering rack remains attached to the subframe at only one attachment point. Further load could cause the steering rack housing to fracture, which could result in loss of steering ability. Vehicle testing and in-service reports indicate that housing fractures most often occur during parking or low-speed maneuvers, when steering loads are particularly high," the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, explained in a report.

As indicated in the report, driver alerts include unusual metallic rattling or knocking sounds coming from the front axle area.

No incidents have been reported so far

However, Germany's motor vehicle agency said no incidents that led to injuries or property damage had been reported so far.

The faulty screw should be replaced with a more corrosion-resistant screw. As reported by the Associated Press, the exchange is expected to last up to an hour.