It’s a fresh blow for Volkswagen. The German automaker is currently facing a recall due to a problem with the steering gear housing mounting. But the issue has spread to other brands within the group. Audi and Seat have just issued statements on the matter. Here are the models affected.
A Bolt-Fixation Problem
Volkswagen has recently launched a major recall campaign. In total, more than 2.1 million vehicles will need to go in for service to address a steering-related issue. More precisely, the problem stems from a mounting bolt for the steering gear housing. This bolt could be susceptible to corrosion if water intrusion occurs. Over time and with corrosion, the bolt head may ultimately fail.
As a result, the steering gear housing would then be held by only one mounting point. In the long run, this situation could damage the housing and restrict/lock the wheel steering. The KBA, the German automotive regulator, reassures drivers by explaining that, regarding this issue, no accidents have been recorded. Furthermore, bolt-head failure occurs during maneuvers at very low speeds such as parking and would affect only 1% of vehicles.
Nevertheless, between Volkswagen, Audi and Seat, this recall campaign covers 3 million vehicles. Additionally, Skoda — which uses the same MQB platform as the rest of the Volkswagen Group — is expected to be added to the campaign.
Will French-market Models Also Need a Visit to the Service Center?
On the Volkswagen side, four models are affected by this recall campaign. These include the Caddy, built between September 24, 2013 and July 1, 2024. Also impacted are the Golf, produced between September 24, 2013 and July 1, 2024, as well as the Tiguan, manufactured between September 24, 2013 and July 1, 2024. Finally, the Touran, produced between September 24, 2013 and July 1, 2024, is affected as well.
But Volkswagen is no longer the only automaker touched by this widespread recall. The issue also involves Audi and Seat. In Audi’s case, the figures from the KBA show 696,547 units of the compact Q3 affected. These were built between October 31, 2017 and May 23, 2024. Just in Germany, this concerns 58,555 vehicles.
As for Seat, two models are singled out, namely the Ateca and the Tarraco. In total, 66,224 models are affected, including 43,574 in Germany. In France, no directive has yet been issued by the Volkswagen Group. The various networks are awaiting the mailing of registered recall notices.
The German group was already navigating a difficult financial period. This large-scale recall arrives at a particularly inopportune moment, even if it is not expected to be costly.
