Škoda recalls 1.7 million cars over steering problem
On four models, corrosion can affect a mounting bolt, potentially causing the steering to fail in the worst-case scenario.
Škoda is recalling 1,719,030 cars worldwide because of a possible problem with a bolt in the steering system. In Germany, 370,347 vehicles of the Kodiaq, Karoq, Octavia and Superb models are affected.
The recall applies to cars produced between November 2015 and August 2026. According to Škoda, under certain conditions, particularly after prolonged use in areas where road salt is used extensively, corrosion can affect a mounting bolt in the steering system.
If the bolt breaks, the connection in the steering system can be compromised. The manufacturer describes loss of steering as the most serious conceivable scenario. According to information the ADAC received from Škoda, no material damage or personal injuries caused by this defect are known in Germany to date.
The action is registered in Germany under KBA reference 17091R and manufacturer code 48LS. Škoda will replace the affected mounting component at a workshop with one that is more resistant to corrosion. Owners can check via the brand or an authorised workshop, using the vehicle identification number, whether their car is covered by the action.
The recall is part of a broader action within the Volkswagen Group. Audi, Volkswagen and Seat are also recalling vehicles because of a possible problem with the steering-system mounting. The numbers and production years vary by brand and model.
The manufacturer and regulator emphasise that not every car of a named model is automatically affected. The vehicles concerned are those that, based on production data and identification numbers, appear in the recall database. A model name alone is therefore insufficient to establish whether a car needs to go to a workshop.
For the car industry, the action represents a major logistical operation: parts must be available, workshops must process appointments and manufacturers must demonstrate that the repairs are carried out. The recall in itself says nothing about the reliability of all Škoda models, but it does illustrate the consequences of a potentially safety-relevant component problem on a large scale.
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This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The technical and numerical core is based on the ADAC, Škoda and the KBA recall database. The article clearly distinguishes between a possible risk and established damage.
- confirmed Škoda is recalling 1,719,030 vehicles worldwide. — The ADAC gives this figure for Škoda. source
- confirmed 370,347 vehicles are affected in Germany. — The ADAC gives this figure for Germany. source
- confirmed The vehicles are Kodiaq, Karoq, Octavia and Superb models produced between November 2015 and August 2026. — These models and this period are listed in the ADAC publication. source
- confirmed Corrosion can lead to loss of steering. — This is the possible risk described by the manufacturer and the recall information. source
- confirmed No cases of damage or injury caused by the defect are known in Germany. — The ADAC attributes this to manufacturer data. source
Editor's note
The recall figures, models and codes are publicly documented. The possible loss of steering is a risk described by the manufacturer and regulator, not an established event affecting all the vehicles concerned.Sources
- Rückruf wegen Schraubenabriss: Jetzt auch Škoda betroffen — ADAC
- Škoda Rückrufaktion — Škoda Auto
- Rückrufdatenbank für Fahrzeuge, Fahrzeugteile und Zubehör — Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt / GovData
More on this in Dutch media
- De Telegraaf — „škoda terugroepactie”
- Trouw — „škoda terugroepactie”
- RTL Nieuws — „škoda terugroepactie”