The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·26V590000·Announced 2026-09-11

Volkswagen Recalls 2018-2021 Models for Steering Rack Bolt Corrosion

Volkswagen is recalling 2018-2021 Tiguan, Atlas, and Audi Q3 vehicles because a steering rack bolt may corrode and break, potentially causing loss of steering control.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (steering rack bolt corrosion) that can lead to loss of steering control and increased crash risk, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. The recall addresses a defect where one of the bolts attaching the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this occurs, the steering rack housing can break.

A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, which increases the risk of a crash. The source text does not report any specific injuries or fatalities associated with this defect.

Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. The recall numbers are 48LG and 48VT, and affected Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 16, 2026.

The recalled product

Product
AUDI, VOLKSWAGEN Q3, ATLAS, TIGUAN
Brand
AUDI
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Steering System
Hazard
Affected units
208,724

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (3)

  • Q3
  • ATLAS
  • TIGUAN

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · AUDI

Same manufacturer · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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Same hazard · loss of steering control

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