Volkswagen recalls more than 208,000 vehicles due to risk of loss of steering control

Volkswagen Group of America will recall more than 208,000 vehicles in the country due to a problem with a steering rack mounting bolt that can corrode and break, which could cause a loss of steering control.

According to a report by Fox News, the recall affects a total of 208,724 SUVs, including certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan models, 2018–2019 Volkswagen Atlas and 2019–2021 Audi Q3 models, according to an announcement by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The affected Tiguan vehicles were manufactured between March 22, 2017 and June 18, 2018. As for the Atlas models, the recall applies to vehicles manufactured between Nov. 30, 2016, and Sept. 22, 2018. The Audi Q3s included in the recall were manufactured between May 21, 2019, and July 16, 2021.

According to the notice, the affected vehicles were manufactured with a specific steering rack, so those with a different one are not included in the recall.

The issue lies with the mounting bolt on the right side of the steering rack, which can corrode when moisture enters the surrounding area. If the bolt head fractures, the steering rack could be attached to the vehicle's subframe by only a single mounting point.

The NHTSA noted that continuous loading could cause the steering rack housing to fracture and, potentially, a loss of steering control.

"A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash," the NHTSA stated in its notice.

Volkswagen and Audi stated that they are not aware of any accidents, fires, injuries or fatalities related to this defect.