Recall 25V526 affects 15 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SUVs for a loose rear axle tie rod bolt. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 15 2025 Tiguan vehicles because a loose tie rod bolt on the rear axle assembly can lead to loss of vehicle control. That loss of control increases crash risk, and Volkswagen dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear tie rod on the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is a link in the rear axle assembly. It helps hold the rear wheel at the correct angle, so the tire tracks straight and the vehicle responds predictably. A bolt secures that link to the wheel support, and that connection has to stay tight under road vibration and cornering load.
On affected Tiguans, the problem is the tightening process, not the bolt itself. During production, the target torque was not achieved and the programmed upper limit was exceeded while the tie rod was being attached to the wheel support. That leaves the bolt connection outside specification. If it loosens or fractures, rear wheel alignment can shift and the driver can lose vehicle control.
Volkswagen says owners can notice a rattling noise from the rear of the vehicle. That sound is the warning sign identified for this condition, so treat it as a reason to arrange Volkswagen dealer service.
Who's affected?
| 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 15 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failed rear tie rod bolt can cause loss of vehicle control, which increases the risk of a crash. If you hear a rattling noise from the rear of the Tiguan, pull over safely and call a Volkswagen dealer for guidance. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free tie rod bolt replacement that secures the loose rear axle tie rod connection.
- Bring the recall notice if Volkswagen mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V526 and Volkswagen recall 42E7 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Avoid unnecessary trips if the vehicle feels unstable or difficult to control.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician replaces the affected tie rod bolt on the rear axle assembly. The recall repair is available now, and the replacement parts and labor are free. Reimbursement is handled through the New Vehicle Limited Warranty rather than a separate recall reimbursement program, because the affected Tiguan vehicles are still within that warranty period. If you have prior repair paperwork, ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies to that work.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| August 13, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 15, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| August 15, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 15, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 5, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V526?
Recall 25V526 covers 15 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles with a rear axle tie rod bolt that was loose. That condition can lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing crash risk. Volkswagen dealers will replace the affected tie rod bolt for free.
What should I do if my 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Tiguan is included in recall 25V526. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the tie rod bolt replacement. Reference recall number 25V526 or Volkswagen recall 42E7 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Volkswagen will replace the affected rear axle tie rod bolt free of charge at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of vehicle control. Recall 25V526 says a loose tie rod bolt on the rear axle assembly can lead to that condition, which increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V526000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V526 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V526000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →