VOLKSWAGEN and its Audi subsidiary on Friday recalled 428000 vehicles worldwide on Friday due to a potential defect. Inspections of some 1998 Audi A4 and VW Passat models revealed that “the track rod ends of the front axle may leak, thus causing premature wear,” the automakers said. VW is recalling 270 000 Passats and Audi is taking 158 000 A4, A6 and A8 cars off the road for inspection or replacement of the track rods. All affected models are from 1998.