Volkswagen Recalls 4 Million Cars Globally Over Steering Issue

Volkswagen Group is initiating a massive recall affecting approximately 4 million vehicles worldwide across its Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, and SEAT brands due to a potential steering system defect. This action marks the group's largest recall since the "Dieselgate" scandal over a decade ago.

The issue stems from a bolt connecting part of the steering system, which could develop corrosion over time, weaken, and in extreme cases, break. Volkswagen estimates that less than 1% of the affected vehicles will actually experience the problem, and there have been no reported accidents or injuries linked to the defect so far. Owners are advised they can continue driving their vehicles until they can visit a service center.

The repair involves a relatively simple replacement of the existing bolt with a more corrosion-resistant one, expected to take about an hour. The large number of vehicles is attributed to the extended period during which the component was used. Specifically, around 2.16 million Volkswagen models, including Golf, Tiguan, Touran, and Caddy manufactured between September 2013 and July 2024, are included. Audi is recalling about 700,000 Q3 models made from late 2017 to May 2024, while SEAT's Ateca and Tarraco models are also affected. Skoda is contributing over a million vehicles to this recall campaign.

In Israel, where models like the Golf, Tiguan, Caddy, Q3, Ateca, and various Skoda models from the relevant period have been sold in large quantities, the local recall numbers have not yet been released. Champion Motors, the importer for all relevant group brands in Israel, will provide further details. Vehicle owners can check for recall eligibility using their license plate or chassis number, and notifications will be sent once the local campaign is active.

This recall adds to Volkswagen's history of significant recalls, including the "Dieselgate" emissions scandal affecting 11 million vehicles globally and the massive Takata airbag recall. Previous recalls in the US involved issues like fuel leaks in certain Audi, VW models, and potential door handle malfunctions in electric ID.4 models, as well as an unusual recall of the ID.Buzz over third-row seating capacity.