15:46 11-05-2026

Volkswagen Recalls 12 Models in Japan Due to Power Steering Software Issue

Volkswagen Group Japan has recalled 3,116 vehicles across 12 models. The affected cars include the Golf, Passat, Tiguan, and others imported into Japan between September 10, 2025, and April 13, 2026.

The issue stems from a software flaw in the electric power steering control unit. When the electric motor's internal components get hot, the diagnostic system can misinterpret mechanical vibrations as a fault.

This triggers a warning light on the dashboard and deactivates the steering assist. The car remains steerable, but steering effort increases noticeably. During parking, cornering, or sudden maneuvers, the difference is immediately felt—especially if the driver isn't expecting the wheel to suddenly become heavier.

Volkswagen has notified Japan's Ministry of Transport. Affected owners will be contacted directly, including by mail. All cars will receive a free software update for the power steering control unit.

The company reports no actual malfunctions or accidents related to this defect so far. Still, the recall highlights a broader trend: in modern cars, the weak spot is increasingly the algorithm that decides when to cut off driver assistance, rather than mechanical parts.