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
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. 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
- VOLKSWAGEN, AUDI ATLAS, TIGUAN, Q3
- Brand
- VOLKSWAGEN
- Manufacturer
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Category
- Vehicle — Steering System
- 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)
- ATLAS
- TIGUAN
- Q3
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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