Volkswagen Transporter Recall R/2004/043: Steering Rack Mountings May Loosen, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 2 Jun 2004
- Launched
- 5,916
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2004/043
- DVSA reference
Volkswagen recalled Transporter vehicles built between 1 November 2003 and 1 December 2003. Wax residue may not have been removed from the steering rack attachment points on the subframe which may result in a loosening of the steering rack. The dealer will remove wax from the attachment area and re-tighten rack. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Wax residue may not have been removed from the steering rack attachment points on the subframe which may result in a loosening of the steering rack.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: STEERING RACK MOUNTINGS MAY LOOSEN Defect: Wax residue may not have been removed from the steering rack attachment points on the subframe which may result in a loosening of the steering rack. Remedy: Recall affected vehicles remove wax from the attachment area and re-tighten rack. At the same time the cooling fan control unit will be checked and if necessary replaced on affected vehicles.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in a loosening of the steering rack.
The Fix
The dealer will remove wax from the attachment area and re-tighten rack.
Are You Affected?
Transporter built between 1 November 2003 and 1 December 2003 may be included. Volkswagen estimates 5,916 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.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Volkswagen.
- Book with any franchised Volkswagen dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2004/043. See how to get a Volkswagen recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TransporterCorrect speed restriction | Low | R/2026/320 | |
| Beetle, Crafter, EOS, FOX and 9 moreTakata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement | Stop driving | R/2025/357 | |
| Beetle (5C), Crafter, EOS (1F), FOX (5Z) and 18 moreTakata front airbag | Urgent | R/2023/178 | |
| TransporterPossibility of humidity ingress in the bowden cables of the doors | Book soon | R/2020/174 | |
| Bora, Golf, Passat, TransporterDriver airbag generator housing could come loose | Urgent | R/2019/019 |
This is one of 220 Volkswagen recalls in DVSA’s data. The Volkswagen recall launched before it was R/2004/026 on 9 Mar 2004, for wiring loom may chafe and left seat console may not withstand severe rear crash. The one launched after it was R/2004/092 on 29 Jun 2004, for clutch operation may be affected. You can also see every Volkswagen recall, the Volkswagen Transporter recall history, all recalls launched in 2004 and steering recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2004/043, launched 2 June 2004. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- 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.