Which vehicles are covered
- Vehicles
- 208,724 potentially affected
- Models
- 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, 2019-2021 Audi Q3
- Problem
- Steering rack-to-subframe bolt may corrode and break
- Risk
- Loss of steering control and increased crash risk
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the bolt at the steering rack's right-side mounting point at no cost
- Owner letters
- Expected mailed November 10, 2026
Volkswagen Group of America is recalling certain vehicles, with 208,724 potentially affected, because a steering rack-to-subframe bolt can corrode and break (opens in a new tab). The campaign, NHTSA recall 26V590000, covers the 2018 Tiguan, the 2018-2019 Atlas and the 2019-2021 Audi Q3. Volkswagen's own recall numbers for the campaign are 48LG and 48VT.
According to the notice, bolt failure can cause the steering rack housing to break. That can lead to a loss of steering control and raises the risk of a crash. NHTSA received the recall report on September 11, 2026.
What owners should do
Owners will not be charged for dealers to replace the bolt at the steering rack's right-side mounting point. Volkswagen expects to mail owner notification letters on November 10, 2026. Owners can call Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 with questions.
Vehicle identification numbers for the recalled vehicles are searchable on NHTSA.gov as of September 16, 2026. The notice does not tell owners to park outside or to stop driving their vehicles.