Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 208,724 Volkswagen and Audi SUVs because a steering bolt may corrode and break. The recall covers certain Volkswagen Tiguan, Volkswagen Atlas, and Audi Q3 vehicles. If the bolt fails, the steering rack housing can break, potentially causing a loss of steering control.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists the recall under campaign number 26V590000, dated September 11, 2026. Volkswagen dealers will replace the affected bolt at no charge. Volkswagen expects to mail owner notification letters on November 10, 2026.
Which Vehicles Are Included?
The recall applies to certain vehicles from these model years:
- 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
- 2018–2019 Volkswagen Atlas
- 2019–2021 Audi Q3
The 208,724 figure is the total number of vehicles potentially affected across all three models. It does not mean every vehicle has a broken bolt or that every SUV from these model years is included.
Owners should check their vehicle identification number (VIN) to find out whether the recall applies to their SUV.
What Can Go Wrong?
The problem involves one of the bolts holding the steering rack to the vehicle’s subframe. NHTSA describes the defect this way: “One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.”
The agency’s stated safety concern is direct: “A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.”
The notice does not list warning signs owners might notice before a failure. It also does not provide an accident or injury count.
What Owners Should Do
Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls. You can find the number on your registration, insurance paperwork, or at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side.
If your SUV is included, contact your Volkswagen or Audi dealer and ask about scheduling the repair. Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt. The notice does not give a repair time, so ask how long the appointment will take and whether the replacement bolt is available.
You can check your vehicle’s status before the November mailing date. When contacting the dealer, have your VIN and NHTSA campaign number 26V590000 ready.
Volkswagen’s recall numbers are 48LG and 48VT. The notice also lists Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 for owners with questions.