Recall 20V149 affects 229 2017-2019 Audi Q8 and Q7 SUVs for a loose steering-shaft bolt. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 229 vehicles from the 2017-2019 Q7 and 2019 Q8 lines because the bolt connecting the steering shaft to the steering gear can loosen. A loose connection can lead to sudden loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash; Audi dealers will secure the bolt free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering shaft links the steering wheel to the steering gear on the 2017-2019 Audi Q8 and Q7 vehicles included in this recall. When you turn the wheel, the shaft transfers that movement to the steering gear, which moves the front wheels in the direction you choose. The connection depends on a bolt that must stay tight under normal steering load.
On affected vehicles, factory manual rework left that steering-shaft bolt improperly tightened. The bolt itself is not the faulty part; the problem is the assembly step. If the bolt loosens, the connection between the steering shaft and steering gear gains play. Steering response becomes less precise, and loss of steering control cannot be ruled out.
The warning sign is higher than normal play in the steering wheel. If the wheel feels loose, vague, or has extra movement before the vehicle responds, that is the symptom Audi identified.
Who's affected?
Covers Q7 and Q8 SUVs across the 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years, all tied to the steering system.
| 2019 Audi Q8 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Audi Q7 | steering system |
| 2018 Audi Q7 | steering system |
| 2019 Audi Q7 | steering system |
| Units affected | 229 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Sudden loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash. If the steering wheel has more play than normal, treat it as a warning sign and call an Audi dealer for an inspection. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Audi Q8 or 2017-2019 Audi Q7 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free steering shaft bolt inspection and any needed replacement for the loose steering shaft connection.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V149 and Audi recall 36A1 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop driving if the steering feels loose or difficult to control.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician inspects the bolt that connects the steering shaft to the steering gear. If the bolt is loose or does not meet the recall inspection criteria, the technician replaces it. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Audi is not offering reimbursement for this campaign, so prior out-of-pocket repair costs are not handled through a recall reimbursement program.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| March 16, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 31, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 15, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| May 15, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 15, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 15, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V149?
Recall 20V149 covers 229 2017-2019 Audi Q7 and 2019 Audi Q8 vehicles with a steering shaft bolt that can loosen. Audi dealers will inspect the steering shaft bolt and replace it if needed, free of charge.
What should I do if my 2017-2019 Audi Q7 or 2019 Audi Q8 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Audi is included in recall 20V149. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the steering shaft bolt inspection. Reference recall 20V149 or Audi recall number 36A1 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Audi dealers will inspect the steering shaft bolt and replace it if needed for free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a sudden loss of steering control. The steering shaft bolt connects steering parts that help the vehicle respond when you turn the wheel. If the bolt loosens, steering control can be lost and crash risk increases.
What if I bought this Audi used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Q7 or Q8 is included, then give recall 20V149 or Audi recall number 36A1 to the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V149000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V149 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V149000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →