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Audi Q7 and Q8 Steering Shaft Bolt May Loosen

NHTSA campaign 20V149000 · Reported Mar 16, 2020 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

critical How serious is it? About this label

A sudden loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	20V149000
Reported to NHTSA	Mar 16, 2020
Manufacturer	Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Part affected	Steering
Vehicles covered	3 model/year combinations, model years 2018–2019
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

On some of these Audi vehicles, a bolt connects the steering shaft to the steering gear, which is part of the system that lets the driver turn the wheels. That bolt may loosen over time. If it loosens enough, the connection between the steering shaft and the steering gear can weaken, so the driver may have less control over the direction of the vehicle.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your vehicle is included.
2. Contact an Audi dealer or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 to schedule an inspection.
3. The repair (inspecting and, if necessary, replacing the steering shaft bolt) is free.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 20V149000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (3)

2018 Audi Q7
2019 Audi Q7
2019 Audi Q8

Who to contact

Audi — official Audi recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-253-2834

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Audi Steering Recalls Involve Loose Bolts and Rack Locking · all 3 Audi recalls in this area

Other Audi Q7 recalls

Dec 19, 2025Audi rearview camera may fail to show imagemedium
Nov 12, 2025Audi Q7 and Q8 Seat Belt Buckle Missing Rivethigh
Mar 31, 2025Audi Models: Instrument Panel Display May Failmedium
Apr 3, 2024Audi SUVs and A4 Allroad Risk Passenger Airbag Shutoffhigh
Dec 20, 2023Audi Q7 and Q8 Side Airbag Mountinghigh
Mar 29, 2023Audi Q7 Windshield Camera Heater May Overheatcritical

All 18 Q7 recalls

Official notice

Component: STEERING
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8 and 2017-2019 Audi Q7 vehicles. The bolt connecting the steering shaft to the steering gear may loosen, possibly resulting in a loss of steering control.
Safety risk: A sudden loss of loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering shaft bolt, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 36A1.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.