Volkswagen recalls 200,000 cars in Czechia over steering risk

Volkswagen Group is recalling approximately 200,000 vehicles in Czechia because a corroded bolt could break and cause the steering system to fail, Czech Television reported Saturday.

Around 150,000 of the affected vehicles are Škoda models, according to estimates supplied by the Czech automaker. The recall covers selected cars manufactured between 2013 and 2024.

Globally, Volkswagen is expected to recall approximately 4 million vehicles, including more than 1 million Škodas. The campaign is one of the group’s largest since its emissions scandal a decade ago, according to German business newspaper Handelsblatt.

The Škoda recall includes selected Octavia, Karoq, Kodiaq and Superb vehicles, Jiří Maláček, Škoda Auto’s head of the Czech market, told Czech Television.

The problem involves a bolt securing part of the steering mechanism. Corrosion could cause it to break and potentially lead to steering failure.

The repair consists of replacing the component with a corrosion-resistant bolt. Škoda began contacting owners of affected cars in late September and asking them to visit an authorized service center.

The Czech recall also covers:

Not every car within those model ranges or production years is necessarily affected. Owners should follow instructions from the manufacturer or contact an authorized dealership to check their vehicle identification number.

Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority said no related injuries or property damage have been reported. Volkswagen has said owners can continue driving affected vehicles while awaiting the repair.

The authority is continuing to investigate the defect.

The recall comes as Volkswagen faces high production costs, excess capacity, growing competition from Chinese automakers and the impact of U.S. tariffs.

The group’s supervisory board approved its largest restructuring plan to date in September. Volkswagen plans to cut up to 100,000 jobs globally by the end of the decade and reduce the number of models it offers.

Škoda Auto has repeatedly said the group’s restructuring program will have no direct effect on its operations.