Volkswagen Caravelle, Transporter Recall R/1993/011: Steering Shaft Clamping Bolts May Loosen, Who Is Affected And What To Do

DVSA reference R/1993/011. Data updated daily from DVSA.

Urgent
How serious
26 Apr 1993
Launched
74
vehicles in the UK
R/1993/011
DVSA reference

Volkswagen recalled Caravelle, Transporter vehicles built between 1 October 1990 and 31 October 1992. The clamp bolt on one of three steering column universal couplings may not have been fully tightened on initial assembly. The dealer will check the torque of the subject bolt and where necessary re-tighten it to the manufacturers specifications. You won't usually pay for it.1

What’s Wrong

The clamp bolt on one of three steering column universal couplings may not have been fully tightened on initial assembly. Should this bolt loosen it could allow excess free movement in the steering and if not rectified loss of steering control.

DVSA's Original Wording

Concern: STEERING SHAFT CLAMPING BOLTS MAY LOOSEN Defect: The clamp bolt on one of three steering column universal couplings may not have been fully tightened on initial assembly. Should this bolt loosen it could allow excess free movement in the steering and if not rectified loss of steering control. Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles check the torque of the subject bolt and where necessary re-tighten it to the manufacturers specifications. Where a clamp bolt is found to be below the specified torque the splines on the shaft will be examined for

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

The Risk

The recall notice describes the concern as: steering shaft clamping bolts may loosen.

The Fix

The dealer will check the torque of the subject bolt and where necessary re-tighten it to the manufacturers specifications.

Are You Affected?

Caravelle, Transporter built between 1 October 1990 and 31 October 1992 may be included. Volkswagen estimates 74 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Volkswagen, because not every car in the date range may be included.

What To Do Now

  1. Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Volkswagen.
  2. Book with any franchised Volkswagen dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/1993/011. See how to get a Volkswagen recall fixed.
  3. Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
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This is one of 220 Volkswagen recalls in DVSA’s data. The Volkswagen recall launched before it was R/1992/066 on 18 Jan 1993, for brake pipes may chafe on other components. The one launched after it was R/1993/010 on 10 May 1993, for inadvertent release of handbrake. You can also see every Volkswagen recall, the Volkswagen Transporter recall history, all recalls launched in 1993 and steering recalls across every make.


Source: DVSA recall R/1993/011, launched 26 April 1993. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.

Sources

  1. The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.