Just months after the first 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan models began arriving in the United States, a recall has already been issued for a small batch of vehicles due to a potential safety risk involving the rear suspension system. The problem centers on a loose rear tie rod bolt, which, if it fails while driving, could lead to a loss of vehicle control. Although Volkswagen stresses that it has not received any reports of accidents, injuries, fires, or fatalities related to the issue, the company is urging owners to take the recall seriously and have their vehicles inspected.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published the recall notice, explaining that the bolts in question may not have been tightened correctly during the assembly process. According to VW, the automated tightening procedure at the factory exceeded the programmed torque limit, creating the possibility that the bolts might loosen over time. As a result, affected Tiguan drivers could potentially hear a rattling or knocking sound from the rear axle area, signaling the defect.
Fortunately, the scope of the recall is very limited. Only 15 units of the 2025 Tiguan sold in the United States are affected, each one produced between April 17 and May 28, 2025. VW first became aware of the problem on June 18, when it received a report from an international market involving a vehicle with a possibly damaged rear axle. Following an internal investigation, engineers concluded that the rear tie rod bolts used in some vehicles might not only loosen but also fracture over time if subjected to prolonged stress.
To address the issue, Volkswagen dealerships were formally notified on August 15, and owners of the impacted vehicles are expected to receive recall notices by October 10. The corrective measure is straightforward: dealers will replace the rear tie rod bolts entirely, free of charge. This approach ensures that even vehicles that appear unaffected will be brought up to proper safety standards.
The recall comes at a delicate time for Volkswagen, as the 2025 Tiguan is one of the brand’s most crucial launches in recent years. The outgoing Tiguan had been VW’s best-selling model in the United States in 2024, making the success of its successor vital for maintaining market momentum. Luckily for Volkswagen, the recall involves only a very small number of vehicles, preventing what could have been a much larger setback.
For now, the company is moving quickly to reassure customers that their safety is a top priority. While the issue is limited, it highlights how even minor assembly errors can have significant consequences in the automotive industry, especially when it involves a brand’s most important product.