Volkswagen recalls 2.86 million cars over a possible steering problem

Volkswagen Group is recalling 2.86 million Volkswagen and Audi cars around the world. A metal part in the steering system may rust and break. If it breaks, drivers may not be able to steer. Germany’s vehicle safety agency, the KBA, says it knows of no injuries or damage linked to the problem. The agency is still looking into it, so the recall is a safety step for a possible danger.

About 700,000 of the cars are Audi Q3s. The Volkswagen models are Tiguan, Touran, Golf, Golf Variant and Caddy, made from September 2013 to July 2024. The Audi Q3s were made from October 2017 to May 2024. These names and dates identify the cars covered by the recall. Volkswagen said checks found rust, and years of road salt and some other conditions may weaken the part.

Volkswagen will replace the part with one that is less likely to rust. The work can take up to one hour. A Volkswagen spokesperson said drivers can keep using their cars until they get an appointment with a dealer. “We’re now recalling the affected vehicles as a precautionary measure,” the spokesperson said. The repair matters because a broken part could affect steering, even though the agency knows of no harm.