Agadir – Volkswagen and Audi are recalling around 2.86 million vehicles worldwide over a potential steering problem linked to a screw that could corrode and break, according to Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).
The issue involves a fastening screw on the steering gear that could corrode under certain environmental conditions and potentially break. In the worst-case scenario, the failure could affect steering control.
The Volkswagen recall covers around 2.16 million vehicles worldwide, including 895,832 in Germany. The affected models include the Golf, Golf Variant, Tiguan, Touran, and Caddy, produced between September 24, 2013, and July 1, 2024.
The Audi recall affects around 696,547 vehicles worldwide, including 58,555 in Germany. It concerns the Audi Q3 produced between October 31, 2017, and May 23, 2024, with the affected vehicles involving a specific combination of steering system and front-axle subframe.
The KBA said it was not aware of incidents involving injuries or property damage linked to the issue. The authority currently lists the matter as under investigation.
Corrosion linked to road salt
Volkswagen said internal quality checks identified a potential corrosion problem affecting the steering fastening. The company said long-term exposure to road salt and other environmental conditions could cause the screw to corrode.
Volkswagen is carrying out the recall as a precaution and will replace the affected fastening with a more corrosion-resistant screw. The repair is expected to take up to one hour and will be provided free of charge, according to information reported by German public broadcaster Tagesschau.
Audi has also described its action as a precautionary recall. The company said environmental conditions, including road salt, could cause corrosion over several years and potentially affect the steering system.
