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Audi Q3 Steering Rack Can Lock Unexpectedly

NHTSA campaign 21V027000 · Reported Jan 27, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

high How serious is it? About this label

If the steering locks up, you could lose the ability to steer the vehicle, which raises the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	21V027000
Reported to NHTSA	Jan 27, 2021
Manufacturer	Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Part affected	Steering:critical Fasteners
Vehicles covered	1 model/year combination, model years 2019
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

A part in the steering system, called a circlip, was not installed correctly at the factory because of an issue with another part, the belt pulley. This means the circlip may not properly hold the steering rack in place. If it comes loose, it can catch on nearby parts and cause the steering wheel to lock up while you are driving, making the vehicle hard or impossible to steer.

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 call Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. 3. The steering rack replacement 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 21V027000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (1)

2019 Audi Q3

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 Q3 recalls

Sep 11, 2026Volkswagen Atlas And Tiguan Steering Bolt May Breakhigh
Apr 1, 2026Audi Q3 Sunroof May Close Beyond Clear Viewhigh
Feb 12, 2025Volkswagen Tiguan and Audi Q3 rearview camera may not displaymedium
Apr 3, 2024Audi SUVs and A4 Allroad Risk Passenger Airbag Shutoffhigh
Oct 31, 2022Volkswagen and Audi Tire Pressure Monitor Software Issuemedium
Sep 8, 2022Audi Q3 fuel may spill from filler neckmedium

All 12 Q3 recalls

Official notice

Component: STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling one 2019 Audi Q3 vehicle. Production deviation in the belt pully can prevent the circlip from properly engaging the steering rack.
Safety risk: The circlip can detach and catch on surrounding components, causing the steering system to lock and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify the owner, and a dealer will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall was completed February 28, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 48P7.

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