Volkswagen is recalling 208,724 vehicles in the U.S. over a steering rack issue that could cause a loss of steering capability and increase the risk of a crash.
According to a notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall affects certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles, as well as certain 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles.
The issue involves a mounting bolt on the steering rack that can corrode after moisture enters the area around the bolt. If the bolt head fractures, the steering rack could remain attached to the vehicle's subframe at only one mounting point. Continued loading could cause the steering rack housing to fracture, potentially resulting in a loss of steering capability.
Here's what to know about the Volkswagen and Audi recall.
The affected Atlas vehicles were manufactured from Nov. 30, 2016, through Sept. 22, 2018. The affected Tiguan vehicles were manufactured from March 22, 2017, through June 18, 2018. The affected Audi Q3 vehicles were manufactured from May 21, 2019, through July 16, 2021.
The recalled vehicles were manufactured with a specific steering rack. Vehicles equipped with a different steering rack are not affected by the issue.
Volkswagen and Audi said they are not aware of any crashes, fires, injuries or deaths related to the condition.
Dealers will replace the right steering rack mounting bolt with a bolt featuring a highly corrosion-resistant polymer coating. The replacement bolt is designed to provide greater protection against corrosion. The repair will be provided at no cost to owners.
Volkswagen said the recall condition was phased out through production changes between June 2018 and July 2021 for the affected U.S. models.
Vehicle identification numbers associated with the recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov Sept. 16. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Nov. 10.
Owners can check whether their vehicle is affected by entering its vehicle identification number into NHTSA's recall database.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT
