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Audi Steering Recalls Involve Loose Bolts and Rack Locking
Audi's steering notices center on connections that can compromise steering control, with the Q3 appearing in two notices. The 2021 recall concerns one 2019 Q3 whose belt-pulley production deviation can prevent proper circlip engagement, potentially allowing the steering system to lock. The 2026 notice covers certain 2019-2021 Q3 vehicles with a steering-rack mounting bolt that may corrode and break, potentially breaking the rack housing. A separate 2020 notice covers certain 2017-2019 Q7 and 2019 Q8 vehicles whose steering-shaft connection bolt may loosen. These are distinct mechanisms, with remedies ranging from bolt inspection or replacement to replacement of the steering rack.
Warning signs to watch for
- The Q7/Q8 steering-shaft bolt recall, 36A1, describes a possible sudden loss of steering control.
- The 2019 Q3 steering-rack recall, 48P7, describes the steering system potentially locking.
- The 2026 steering-rack mounting-bolt recall, 48LG/48VT, describes possible loss of steering control if the rack housing breaks.
Can you keep driving? What the notices say
The listed Audi steering notices do not tell owners to stop driving, and none gives a park-outside instruction. This applies to the Q7/Q8 steering-shaft bolt recall, 36A1, the single-vehicle 2019 Q3 steering-rack recall, 48P7, and the 2026 mounting-bolt recall, 48LG/48VT. Their stated consequences include loss of steering control or steering-system locking, with increased crash risk. The notices provide dealer remedies but do not give owners a separate interim driving instruction for these defects.
What the free repair involves
For 36A1, Audi dealers inspect the steering-shaft bolt and replace it if necessary, free of charge. For 48P7, the dealer replaces the steering rack, free of charge. For the 2026 recall identified as 48LG/48VT, dealers replace the right-side steering-rack mounting bolt, free of charge.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 1 |
| high | 2 |
Models affected most
Where owners report steering problems most
NHTSA owner complaints filed under steering for the Audi models and years in this guide. Complaints are unverified reports and are not limited to the recalled defects.
| Vehicle | Steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Audi Q8 | 11 |
| 2019 Audi Q7 | 10 |
| 2020 Audi Q3 | 9 |
| 2018 Audi Q7 | 7 |
| 2021 Audi Q3 | 1 |
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 11, 2026 | Volkswagen Atlas And Tiguan Steering Bolt May Break | high |
| Jan 27, 2021 | Audi Q3 Steering Rack Can Lock Unexpectedly | high |
| Mar 16, 2020 | Audi Q7 and Q8 Steering Shaft Bolt May Loosen | critical |
Common questions
Why does the Audi Q3 appear in two steering recalls?
The 2021 notice concerns one 2019 Q3 with a belt-pulley deviation affecting circlip engagement. The 2026 notice covers certain 2019-2021 Q3 vehicles whose steering-rack mounting bolt may corrode and break. Each notice specifies its own repair.
Which Q7 and Q8 models have the steering-shaft bolt issue?
The 2020 notice, 36A1, identifies certain 2017-2019 Audi Q7 and 2019 Audi Q8 vehicles. The connecting bolt may loosen and cause loss of steering control. Dealers inspect the bolt and replace it if necessary, free of charge.
Does the newer Q3 steering recall require a replacement steering rack?
The 2026 mounting-bolt notice specifies replacement of the right-side steering-rack mounting bolt, free of charge. Steering-rack replacement is the remedy stated in the separate 2021 notice, 48P7, which concerns one 2019 Audi Q3.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.