Volkswagen Group has recalled 28.6 lakh cars worldwide over a potential steering problem linked to a mounting bolt. The action covers vehicles sold under the Volkswagen and Audi brands, with the company seeking to address the issue before it leads to an accident.

The concern involves the steering-rack mounting bolt, which connects the steering rack to the front sub-frame. Corrosion may weaken the bolt over time. If the corrosion becomes severe, the bolt could break and damage the steering-rack housing, reducing steering control and potentially causing a complete loss of control.

Models included in the recall

The affected vehicle list includes the Volkswagen Golf, Golf Variant, Tiguan, Touran and Caddy, as well as the Audi Q3.

Of the recalled vehicles, 21.6 lakh are Volkswagen models and 6.96 lakh are Audi Q3 units. Volkswagen vehicles built between September 2013 and July 2024 may be involved. For the Audi Q3, the potentially affected production period runs from October 2017 to May 2024.

The German Federal Motor Transport Authority has said that no case of damage linked to the issue has been reported so far. Volkswagen Group has described the recall action as a precautionary measure.

How the repair will work

Affected vehicles will be identified using their vehicle identification number, production date and component combination. At the relevant dealerships, the potentially affected bolt will be replaced with one designed to offer greater resistance to corrosion.

The recall is therefore not based solely on the model name or production period. Vehicles from the listed ranges may not all be affected, because the company is checking specific vehicle and component details.

What it means for India

Several models in the global recall list have not been mainstream products in India. However, the Volkswagen Tiguan has been sold in the Indian market for years, and Audi has sold multiple generations of the Q3 in the country.

Volkswagen Group has not issued India-specific information so far. That means the recall status of individual Volkswagen Tiguan and Audi Q3 vehicles in India cannot be confirmed from the current announcement alone.

Conclusion

The global recall centres on a corrosion risk involving one steering-rack mounting bolt. Volkswagen Group plans to replace the affected part at dealerships, while India-specific details remain unissued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why has Volkswagen Group recalled 28.6 lakh cars?

The recall relates to a steering-rack mounting bolt that may weaken because of corrosion.

Q. Which Volkswagen models are included?

The listed Volkswagen models are the Golf, Golf Variant, Tiguan, Touran and Caddy.

Q. Is the Audi Q3 part of the recall?

Yes. The Audi Q3 is included, with 6.96 lakh units listed in the recall.

Q. What can happen if the bolt breaks?

A broken bolt may damage the steering-rack housing, reducing steering control and potentially causing a complete loss of control.

Q. Has the problem caused any reported damage?

The German Federal Motor Transport Authority has said that no related damage has been reported so far.

Q. How will affected vehicles be identified?

Volkswagen Group is using the vehicle identification number, production date and component combination to identify vehicles.

Q. Will all Volkswagen Tiguan and Audi Q3 vehicles be affected in India?

Not necessarily. The company is checking specific vehicle and component details, and no India-specific information has been issued so far.