Volkswagen Atlas, Tiguan and Audi Q3 steering bolt recall
Volkswagen is recalling 208,724 Atlas, Tiguan and Audi Q3 SUVs because a steering rack bolt can rust and break. Dealers will replace the bolt for free.
A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
From NHTSA recall 26V590000What happened
Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 208,724 SUVs: certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, 2018–2019 Volkswagen Atlas and 2019–2021 Audi Q3 models.
The steering rack is the part that turns the front wheels when you turn the steering wheel. Bolts hold it to the subframe, and one of them can corrode and snap. If it does, the steering rack housing can break and you could lose control of the steering. That raises the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the right-side mounting bolt for free. Letters to owners are expected on November 10, 2026.
Is yours recalled?
The recall covers certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, 2018–2019 Volkswagen Atlas and 2019–2021 Audi Q3 SUVs. Only some vehicles from those years are included, so look up your VIN. Volkswagen's codes for this recall are 48LG and 48VT.
| Model years | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 2019–2021 | Audi | Q3 |
| 2018–2019 | Volkswagen | Atlas |
| 2018 | Volkswagen | Tiguan |
The surest check: enter your 17-character vehicle identification number at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows every open recall for your exact vehicle. Your VIN is on the driver-side dashboard, the door jamb sticker, and your registration.
What to do
- Look up your VIN to see if your Atlas, Tiguan or Q3 is included.
- Watch for the recall letter. It's due to be mailed November 10, 2026.
- Book the free repair with a Volkswagen or Audi dealer. They'll put in a new right-side steering rack mounting bolt.
- Have questions? Call Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Recall facts
- Announced
- Sep 11, 2026
- Recalled by
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. 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.
- Risk
- A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 48LG and 48VT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 16, 2026.
- Vehicles
- 208,724 potentially affected
- Recall number
- NHTSA 26V590000 · manufacturer recall 48LG, 48VT
Lawsuits & settlements
The recall itself gets you the repair. Money for other losses usually only comes from a class action or settlement, if one follows — often when buyers paid for something that didn't work as promised. If a settlement opens over this recall, it will be listed on Owed's settlements page.
See settlements you qualify forFAQ
It may be. The recall covers certain 2018–2019 Atlas and 2018 Tiguan models. Not every vehicle from those years is included, so check your VIN.
Yes, certain 2019–2021 Audi Q3 models are included. Check your VIN to see if yours is one of them. The notice lists Volkswagen customer service, 1-800-893-5298, for questions.
Nothing. A dealer will put in a new right-side steering rack mounting bolt at no charge.
Letters to owners are expected to be mailed on November 10, 2026. You don't need to wait for the letter to check your VIN.
More cars & trucks recalls
Recall details come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)'s official notice. Updated Oct 21, 2026. Owed isn't affiliated with Volkswagen and Audi or NHTSA. You don't need Owed or any paid service to get a recall remedy — contact the company directly.