Recall 21V027 covers 1 2019 Audi Q3 vehicle for a steering rack circlip defect. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling one 2019 Q3 because a production deviation in the belt pulley can keep the circlip from engaging the steering rack. If the circlip detaches and catches on nearby components, the steering can lock and raise the risk of a crash; Audi dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering rack on the 2019 Audi Q3 is the assembly that turns steering-wheel movement into left and right movement at the front wheels. Inside that rack, a circlip, a small snap ring, helps hold a component in its proper position so the steering gear stays assembled as designed.
On the recalled vehicle, a sub-supplier produced a belt pulley for the steering rack with dimensions outside specification. That production error left the circlip at risk of not seating correctly during steering rack assembly. Audi traced the affected part through production records and identified the vehicle tied to that steering rack.
There is no warning sign before failure. Audi's testing did not reproduce the circlip coming loose, but the recall exists because the affected rack was not built to specification and the steering rack is a safety-critical part.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Audi Q3 | steering system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2019 Audi Q3 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the circlip detaches, it can catch nearby components and lock the steering system, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Audi Q3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free steering-rack replacement that fixes the circlip problem tied to steering lock.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V027 when you call.
- Minimize driving until the repair is complete, and stop safely if the steering feels abnormal.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician replaces the steering rack covered by recall 21V027. The steering rack is the assembly that turns steering wheel input into movement at the front wheels, so the dealer repair replaces the faulty unit rather than adjusting it. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Audi says it will not offer reimbursement under this recall, so prior out-of-pocket repairs are not handled through a separate reimbursement program.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| January 27, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 28, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 25, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| March 25, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 25, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V027?
Recall 21V027 covers 1 2019 Audi Q3 with a belt pulley production deviation that can keep the circlip from properly engaging the steering rack. Audi's dealer remedy is steering rack replacement at no charge.
What should I do if my 2019 Audi Q3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Q3 is included in recall 21V027. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer and ask for recall 48P7 or campaign 21V027. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost, and Audi's remedy says a dealer will replace the steering rack free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is steering lockup. Audi reported that the circlip can detach and catch on surrounding components, causing the steering system to lock and raising crash risk. Confirm the VIN before driving decisions, then follow the Audi dealer's repair instructions.
Has recall 21V027 already been completed?
Audi reported that the recall was completed February 28, 2021. A completion date for the campaign does not prove your specific vehicle received the repair. Check your VIN, then ask an Audi dealer to verify whether the steering rack replacement is already closed for your Q3.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V027000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V027 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V027000 |
Source documents
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 →