{"count":1,"message":"Results returned successfully","results":[{"odiNumber":11763521,"manufacturer":"Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.","crash":false,"fire":false,"numberOfInjuries":0,"numberOfDeaths":0,"dateOfIncident":"09/07/2026","dateComplaintFiled":"09/10/2026","vin":"wa1bnafy5j2","components":"STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","summary":"Incident Description: While accelerating from a red light during rush hour, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of steering control. The steering wheel locked completely and could not be turned. Simultaneous loud, long beeping and dashboard warnings appeared, stating: \"Steering malfunction stop the vehicle immediately.\" The vehicle was immobilized in the middle of a highly congested, complex 5x5 intersection. Local police had to shut down traffic until the vehicle could be cleared.  Safety Risk: Stalling abruptly in a major intersection during rush hour created an immediate risk of a multi-car rear-end pile-up. This jeopardized the safety of the driver and multiple children who were inside the vehicle, who faced a severe personal injury risk whether they remained trapped in the active roadway or attempted to exit.  Diagnosis, Cost, and Recall Context: The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership. Diagnosis revealed significant water intrusion inside the steering wheel wiring harness. Draining the water cleared the error and the vehicle become operational, but the dealership quoted $6,000 in repairs to replace the steering components completely out-of-pocket cost.  Please note it appears the $6,000 quote will be out-of-pocket for catastrophic safety defects although they may be known issues for the same make and model years: Prior Gateway Recall: This vehicle’s VIN was previously impacted by the Gateway module recall (where water intrusion triggers a limp mode). That recall was redeemed prior to this event, and my understanding the repair should have prevented moisture intrusion. There seems to be a history on this make and model for known moisture intrusion causes critical issues. U45 Warranty Exclusion: The manufacturer issued a warranty extension for this exact steering failure on this same make and model years. However, this specific VIN was excluded from coverage, despite it being within the parameters.","products":[{"type":"Vehicle","productYear":"2018","productMake":"AUDI","productModel":"Q5","manufacturer":"Volkswagen Group of America, Inc."}]}]}