Czech automaker Skoda is recalling around 1.7 million vehicles worldwide due to potential steering issues. According to data from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt, or KBA), around 370,000 cars are potentially affected by the safety measure in Germany alone.
Risk of Steering Failure Due to Bolt Shearing
According to information in the KBA’s recall database, the issue stems from a faulty connection: a sheared bolt could potentially lead to a complete loss of steering control. To eliminate this safety risk, the planned remedy involves replacing the affected steering bolted joint with a corrosion-resistant bolt at an authorized workshop.
The recall affects four popular model lines from the Volkswagen Group subsidiary:
- Skoda Kodiaq
- Skoda Karoq
- Skoda Octavia
- Skoda Superb
An official statement from Skoda was not immediately available when the regulatory data was published.
Group-Wide Issue Across Multiple Brands
The action at Skoda follows closely on the heels of similar steps across the parent company. Just a few days earlier, it was revealed that Volkswagen and fellow group subsidiaries Audi and Seat must send several million vehicles worldwide to service centers for inspection.
Based on the KBA’s description, the technical issue at Skoda appears to be identical to the one affecting its sister brands. In connection with the previous recall, a VW spokesperson stated that internal quality checks had revealed potential steering issues in certain vehicles across multiple model lines.
What Affected Vehicle Owners Need to Know
For safety-critical defects listed in the KBA database, affected owners are typically contacted via the authority and the manufacturer. Owners of a Kodiaq, Karoq, Octavia, or Superb should closely review any recall notices they receive.
Once notified, drivers must schedule an appointment with an authorized workshop to have the corrosion-resistant bolt installed, preventing the risk of a sudden steering failure.
Sources: Finanzen.net