The larger of the two actions involves 208,724 vehicles, specifically the 2018 Tiguan, 2018–2019 Atlas, and 2019–2021 Audi Q3 models. In these units, a bolt securing the steering rack to the subframe is prone to corrosion. Should this component fail, the steering rack housing may break, potentially stripping the driver of steering control. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 1% of the affected fleet is estimated to carry this defect.

Separately, Volkswagen is recalling 49,958 of its 2025 Tiguan models due to a software error within the body control module. This malfunction can trigger an unexpected system reset, causing the ignition to cut out while the vehicle is in motion. The resulting engine stall or loss of critical systems—including exterior lighting, warning indicators, and the rearview camera—poses a significant safety hazard. Unlike the steering issue, the automaker believes the software defect is present in every vehicle subject to this specific recall.