Volkswagen and Audi Recall More Than 208,000 SUVs Over Steering Failure RiskFirst for AutosWhitney DanhauerMon, September 21, 2026 at 4:20 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleVolkswagenVolkswagen is recalling more than 208,000 SUVs in the United States because a corroded bolt could eventually leave drivers unable to steer their vehicles.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall covers 208,724 vehicles across three Volkswagen and Audi models. The affected vehicles are certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguans, 2018 and 2019 Volkswagen Atlases and 2019 through 2021 Audi Q3s.At the center of the problem is a bolt used to secure the steering rack to the vehicle's subframe.AdvertisementAdvertisementMoisture can reach the right-side steering rack mounting bolt and cause it to corrode over time. If the head of the bolt breaks, the steering rack would be attached to the subframe at just one mounting point. Continued stress on the system could then cause the steering rack housing itself to break.If that happens, a driver could lose steering control, which increases the risk of a crash.VolkswagenThe good news is that there may be a warning before the problem becomes serious: Drivers could hear metallic rattling or knocking noises coming from the front axle area if the mounting bolt has cracked or fractured. Testing also found that the steering rack housing would be most likely to break while the vehicle is parking or traveling at low speeds because there's greater force placed on the steering system in those situations.So far, Volkswagen and Audi have not reported any crashes, fires, injuries or deaths in North America connected to the defect.AdvertisementAdvertisementOwners won't have to pay for the repair. Instead, dealers will replace the affected mounting bolt with a new bolt that's been designed to resist corrosion more efficiently.Notification letters are expected to be mailed to owners on November 10. Drivers can also check whether their specific vehicle is included using its VIN. The recall is listed under NHTSA campaign number 26V590000, while Volkswagen's recall numbers are 48LG and 48VT.Volkswagen recommends that safety recalls affecting a vehicle be completed without delay.Read More From First For AutosPorsche Rolls Into Parked Car After Owner Apparently Makes Common Parking MistakeTesla Cybercab Gets Trapped in Hotel Parking Lot, Tells Passenger He's Arrived at His DestinationMemorial Announced for Car Influencer James Wehr and Passenger After Fiery McLaren CrashAdvertisementAdvertisementThis story Volkswagen and Audi Recall More Than 208,000 SUVs Over Steering Failure Risk first appeared on First For Autos. Follow First For Autos on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.