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Audi steering recalls: loose bolts, corroded mounts and rack lock-ups
All three recalls in this group involve the steering rack or the bolts that hold it. In the March 2020 recall, the bolt connecting the steering shaft to the steering gear may loosen on 2019 Audi Q8 and 2017-2019 Audi Q7 vehicles. The September 2026 recall covers 2019-2021 Audi Q3 models, along with Volkswagen Tiguan and Atlas, where the right-side bolt attaching the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break, which can break the rack housing. A January 2021 recall covered a single 2019 Audi Q3 whose belt pulley production deviation kept the circlip from properly engaging the steering rack. The Q3 appears in two of the three; each notice lists loss of steering control as the consequence.
Warning signs to watch for
- Steering that locks up — the January 2021 Audi Q3 steering rack notice states the circlip can detach and catch on surrounding components, causing the steering system to lock.
Can you keep driving? What the notices say
None of these three notices carries a stop-driving or park-outside instruction: the 2020 Q7 and Q8 steering shaft bolt recall, the 2021 single-vehicle Q3 steering rack recall, and the 2026 steering rack mounting bolt recall covering the Q3, Tiguan and Atlas all state that owners are not told to stop driving. Each describes a loss of steering control as the consequence. None of the notices offers any interim instruction or restriction while owners wait for the remedy, and none says anything further about continuing to drive.
What the free repair involves
Remedies differ by recall. For the 2020 Q7 and Q8 recall, Audi dealers inspect the steering shaft bolt and replace it if necessary, free of charge. For the 2021 single 2019 Q3, a dealer replaces the steering rack, free of charge. For the 2026 recall, dealers replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge. No notice describes a software or over-the-air update.
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 |
| 2018 Audi Q7 | 7 |
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
Is my Audi Q3 covered by more than one steering recall?
The 2019-2021 Q3 is listed in the 2026 steering rack mounting bolt recall, and one single 2019 Q3 was covered by the 2021 steering rack recall. Check your VIN with Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 to see which applies.
Why are Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan models in an Audi steering recall?
The September 2026 recall is a Volkswagen Group of America recall covering 2018 Tiguan, 2018-2019 Atlas and 2019-2021 Audi Q3 vehicles for the same right-side steering rack mounting bolt, which may corrode and break. Volkswagen's recall numbers are 48LG and 48VT.
When will I hear from Audi about the steering rack bolt recall?
Owner notification letters for the 2026 steering rack mounting bolt recall are expected to be mailed November 10, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. The 2020 Q7 and Q8 recall began March 31, 2020.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.