Volkswagen Recalls 4 Million Cars Globally Over Steering Issue

Volkswagen Group is initiating a massive global recall affecting approximately 4 million vehicles manufactured between 2013 and 2024. The recall extends to its subsidiary brands, including Audi, Skoda, and Seat, and addresses a potential issue with a single bolt in the steering system.

This specific bolt may develop corrosion, particularly after exposure to harsh winter conditions like driving on salted, snow-covered roads. Such corrosion could lead to the bolt loosening, creating dangerous play in the steering system and potentially compromising vehicle control in extreme situations.

The recall encompasses roughly 2.16 million Volkswagen models, such as the Golf, Tiguan, Touran, and Caddy. Additionally, about 1 million Skoda vehicles (including the Octavia), 700,000 Audi vehicles (Q3 models), and 200,000 Seat vehicles (including the Ateca) are included.

The estimated cost for Volkswagen Group to conduct this extensive recall operation is between 200 and 450 million euros. The precise impact on the Israeli market and the number of Israeli vehicle owners who will be summoned for the repair are not yet known.

However, Israeli law mandates that vehicle owners who receive a recall notice must have the necessary repairs performed at the importer's workshop within six months. Vehicles failing to undergo the required repair within this timeframe will not be permitted to pass their annual licensing test.