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Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority provided data showing 2.16 million Volkswagen models and roughly 700,000 Audi vehicles subject to the action while Handelsblatt reported that more than one million Skoda cars and 200,000 Seat units are also included for a total approaching four million. The recall ranks as the largest for the automaker since the 2015 Dieselgate scandal according to the newspaper which cited the authority’s figures. Volkswagen confirmed that owners are being contacted to schedule repairs on the affected cars produced over the past decade.
The defect involves a screw that secures the steering gear and may corrode after prolonged exposure to road salt or harsh environmental conditions. Authorities stated that in extreme cases the component could break leading to impaired steering function although no accidents or injuries have been linked to the issue so far. The company described the measure as purely precautionary and noted that the fix entails swapping the screw for a more resistant version.
Affected Volkswagen models include the Golf Golf Variant Tiguan Touran and Caddy built between September 2013 and July 2024 according to authority records. Audi’s recall centers on the Q3 produced from October 2017 to May 2024 with nearly 900,000 of the Volkswagen vehicles registered in Germany alone. Similar defects had previously triggered recalls in Canada for certain Tiguan and Q3 versions as reported by European outlets citing transport officials.
Seat has verified the scope of its portion of the campaign while Skoda has yet to issue an immediate response to inquiries about the action. The German authority has listed the matter as under investigation meaning final assessments remain pending in some jurisdictions. Owners can continue driving their vehicles until dealership appointments are arranged for the bolt replacement.
Volkswagen has indicated that the repair process will take no longer than one hour and will be performed at no cost to customers. The automaker declined to disclose any estimate of the total financial impact of the global campaign when contacted by reporters. Industry filings show that such precautionary recalls form part of routine safety protocols followed by manufacturers to maintain regulatory compliance across major markets.
The development arrives amid ongoing oversight of automotive quality standards by regulators in Europe and North America. Comparable steering-related actions have appeared in past years for various brands though this campaign stands out for its scale within the Volkswagen portfolio. Customers are advised to monitor official notifications from the company or local transport bodies for specific vehicle identification details.
