Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 208,724 vehicles in the United States because a steering-rack mounting bolt can corrode and break, potentially resulting in a loss of steering control. The recall affects certain Volkswagen Tiguan and Atlas SUVs as well as Audi Q3 models.
Volkswagen & Audi Recall 208,724 SUVs Over Steering-Rack Bolt Failure Risk
Certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, 2018–2019 Atlas and 2019–2021 Audi Q3 vehicles are included in a new steering-system safety recall. The repair will be performed by dealers at no charge.
Which Volkswagen and Audi Vehicles Are Recalled?
The recall does not apply to every Volkswagen or Audi vehicle. It covers specific vehicles within the following model years:
| Brand | Model | Affected Model Years |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen | Tiguan | 2018 |
| Volkswagen | Atlas | 2018–2019 |
| Audi | Q3 | 2019–2021 |
What Is Wrong With the Steering System?
The problem involves one of the bolts used to attach the steering rack to the vehicle's subframe.
According to the recall information filed with NHTSA, the bolt may corrode and eventually break. If that occurs, the steering-rack housing itself can also break.
Because the steering rack is responsible for transmitting the driver's steering input to the front wheels, damage to this mounting system can potentially interfere with the driver's ability to control the vehicle.
Recall Defect
Safety Consequence
What Will Volkswagen Dealers Do?
The remedy is relatively straightforward: authorized dealers will replace the right-side steering-rack mounting bolt.
The repair will be completed free of charge for affected vehicles.
When Will Owners Be Notified?
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on or around November 10, 2026.
However, owners do not necessarily need to wait for a letter before checking their vehicle. VINs included in this campaign became searchable through NHTSA's recall system on September 16, 2026.
| Recall Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| NHTSA campaign number | 26V590000 |
| Volkswagen campaign numbers | 48LG / 48VT |
| Potentially affected vehicles | 208,724 |
| NHTSA report received | September 11, 2026 |
| VIN lookup availability | September 16, 2026 |
| Owner letters expected | November 10, 2026 |
| Repair cost | Free |
How to Check if Your Tiguan, Atlas or Q3 Is Affected
The safest way to confirm whether a specific vehicle is included is to check the VIN.
Look through the lower driver's-side windshield, inside the driver's door jamb, or on registration and insurance documents.
Enter the VIN into NHTSA's official recall-search system to see whether the vehicle has an open safety recall.
Owners can also enter the VIN through the manufacturer's recall lookup page.
If campaign 26V590000 appears for the vehicle, contact a Volkswagen or Audi dealer to arrange the free repair.
Do You Need to Pay for the Repair?
No. If your VIN is included in this safety recall, the specified recall repair is performed free of charge.
NHTSA advises vehicle owners to complete open safety recalls promptly because recall repairs correct defects that could affect vehicle safety.
Why a Steering-Rack Mounting Bolt Matters
The steering rack is a major structural component of a modern steering system. It converts movement from the steering wheel into movement at the vehicle's front wheels.
The rack must remain securely attached to the vehicle structure. A mounting bolt therefore does considerably more than simply hold a cover or accessory in place.
In this recall, the concern is that corrosion could weaken the bolt enough for it to break. NHTSA's recall description says that if the steering-rack housing breaks as a result, the driver could lose steering control.
Is Every 2018 Tiguan or 2019 Q3 Recalled?
No. Recall campaigns typically cover vehicles produced within specific manufacturing ranges or with particular components.
That is why DriveSpecLab recommends using the VIN instead of relying only on a vehicle's model and model year.
What Should Owners Do Now?
If you own one of the potentially affected models, there are three practical steps:
- Check the vehicle's VIN through NHTSA or the manufacturer's recall page.
- If the recall appears as open, contact an authorized Volkswagen or Audi dealer.
- Arrange the free replacement of the right-side steering-rack mounting bolt.
Owners should also follow any additional instructions included in Volkswagen's official recall communication or provided by their dealer.
Volkswagen & Audi Recall: Key Details at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How many vehicles are affected? | 208,724 |
| Which models? | 2018 Tiguan, 2018–2019 Atlas, 2019–2021 Audi Q3 |
| What can fail? | Steering-rack mounting bolt |
| What causes the problem? | Potential corrosion and breakage |
| What is the safety risk? | Potential loss of steering control and increased crash risk |
| What is the repair? | Replacement of the right-side steering-rack mounting bolt |
| Is the repair free? | Yes |
| NHTSA campaign | 26V590000 |
| Volkswagen codes | 48LG and 48VT |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Volkswagen and Audi vehicles are being recalled?
Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 208,724 vehicles in the United States under NHTSA campaign 26V590000.
Which Volkswagen models are affected?
The recall covers certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan and 2018–2019 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.
Which Audi models are affected?
Certain 2019, 2020 and 2021 Audi Q3 vehicles are included.
What is wrong with the recalled vehicles?
A bolt attaching the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If the steering-rack housing breaks, steering control may be lost.
What will dealers replace?
Dealers will replace the right-side steering-rack mounting bolt.
Will Volkswagen charge owners for the repair?
No. The recall repair will be performed free of charge for affected vehicles.
When will Volkswagen send recall letters?
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed around November 10, 2026.
What is the NHTSA recall number?
The NHTSA campaign number is 26V590000. Volkswagen's campaign codes are 48LG and 48VT.
How can I tell whether my Volkswagen or Audi is recalled?
Enter your vehicle's 17-character VIN into NHTSA's official recall lookup or the Volkswagen or Audi recall lookup page.
Official & Reference Sources
Editorial note: Recall coverage applies to specific VINs rather than automatically to every vehicle within the listed model years. Owners should confirm their vehicle through NHTSA, Volkswagen or Audi before assuming it is included. Recall information can be updated as manufacturers and regulators publish additional documents.
