Recall 21V852 affects 1 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vehicle for a steering gear drive bushing defect. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling one 2021 ID.4 because the steering gear was built with an incorrectly assembled or missing drive bushing. That defect can lead to loss of steering control and raise the risk of a crash; Volkswagen dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering gear on the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is the part that turns steering wheel input into movement at the front wheels. Inside that gear, a worm gear drive bushing helps hold the steering assist drive in the correct position so the system can support smooth, predictable steering effort.
In the recalled ID.4, that bushing was installed incorrectly or left out during assembly. Volkswagen traced the problem to a failure-detection issue in the assembly process, which let the steering gear pass even though the bushing was not confirmed. Without the bushing in the right position, the steering support can work poorly and steering effort can increase.
The driver can notice noise from the steering or a stiff feeling when turning the wheel. If the steering support is failing, a warning lamp will illuminate in the instrument cluster.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 | steering gear |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 SUV is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A drive bushing that was incorrectly assembled or missing can lead to loss of steering control and increase crash risk. Listen for steering noise, stiff steering, or a warning lamp in the instrument cluster, and schedule service promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free steering-gear replacement that fixes the incorrectly assembled or missing drive bushing.
- Bring the recall notice if Volkswagen mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V852 when you call.
- Drive only as needed until the repair, because the drive-bushing defect is tied to loss of steering control risk.
- Call Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 with questions about scheduling or repair timing.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician replaces the steering gear covered by recall 21V852. The replacement parts and labor are covered under the recall. Out-of-pocket steering gear repairs already paid are handled through the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the affected vehicle is within the warranty period. Ask the service desk to review prior repair paperwork under warranty coverage.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| November 3, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 5, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 31, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| December 31, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 31, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V852?
Recall 21V852 covers 1 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 with a steering gear drive bushing that was incorrectly assembled or missing. The defect can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk. A Volkswagen dealer will replace the steering gear for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific ID.4 is included in recall 21V852. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the steering gear replacement. Reference recall 21V852 and Volkswagen recall number 48Q7 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Volkswagen will replace the steering gear free of charge at a franchised Volkswagen dealer, including parts and labor.
Is it safe to drive my 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 before the repair?
This recall involves steering control, so confirm your VIN before you keep driving. If your ID.4 is included, call a Volkswagen dealer and ask for service guidance before your appointment. The official risk is loss of steering control, increasing crash risk.
When were owners notified about recall 21V852?
Volkswagen mailed owner notification letters on November 5, 2021. If you bought the ID.4 used or never received the letter, the VIN check is still the right way to confirm whether this exact vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V852000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V852 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V852000 |
Source documents
-
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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →