2018–2021 Audi Q3, Volkswagen Atlas and Volkswagen Tiguan recalled: Loss of Steering Control from Bolt Failure

What is wrong

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas, and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles. One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break. If this happens, the steering rack housing can break.

Why it matters

A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 48LG and 48VT. Vehicle Identification Numbers involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 16, 2026.

Recall repairs are free at the brand's dealers, no matter who owns the car now.

What to do now

1. Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls – it shows whether this recall is open on your exact car. Your VIN is on the driver-side dashboard (look through the windshield) and on your registration.
2. If it is open, call a Audi dealer to book the free repair. Ask how long parts will take if the remedy is not ready yet.
3. A mobile mechanic cannot do recall work – only the brand's dealers can. A mobile mechanic can still check other problems on the car where it is parked.