Top Class Actions  |  April 15, 2020

Category: Closed Class Actions

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This settlement is closed!

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VW car engine water pump defect

Volkswagen has agreed to resolve a VW engine water pump defect class action lawsuit against them with a settlement providing warranties and refunds of up to $4,000.

The settlement benefits current or former owners or lessees of Volkswagen or Audi vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EA888 engine. Various models and model years from the brands are included, with more information available in the “Who’s Eligible” section below.

Plaintiffs in the VW engine water pump defect class action lawsuit claimed that Audi and Volkswagen vehicles were equipped with a defective engine containing a defect water pump. The defect caused financial injury to consumers, according to the plaintiffs.

A vehicle’s water pump helps circulate coolant throughout the engine in order to prevent overheating. The water pump component found in the affected VW engines was reportedly defective, causing engine problems such as coolant loss, overheating, and even catastrophic engine failure.

“Water pump failure and the resulting engine overheating pose a serious safety issue while the vehicle is being operated since there is loss of engine power without warning and the loss of power-assisted steering and reduced braking caused by lack of engine vacuum,” the VW engine water pump defect class action lawsuit argued.

The plaintiffs claimed that they were often forced to pay between $900 and $1,200 to cover the costs of water pump engine repairs or replacements because VW refused to cover the damages under warranty.

Volkswagen has not admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to settle the claims against them.

The settlement offers both extended warranties and reimbursement for past repairs or replacements of damaged engines or engine water pumps. Reimbursement claims for failed water pumps is capped at $950 while reimbursement for failed engines is capped at $4,000.

The amount that a Class Member can recover for reimbursement will depend on a variety of factors including the mileage and age of the vehicles as well as what type of damage occurred. These factors will influence the percentage of reimbursement that is available.

In order to benefit from the settlement, Class Members must file a valid claim with the settlement by April 30, 2020. Claims must include supporting documentation such as repair record(s), receipts, proof of payment, and proof of adherence to the vehicle’s maintenance schedule.

The deadline for exclusion and objection was Feb. 14, 2020. The final approval hearing for the VW engine water pump defect class action settlement is May 14, 2020.

Who’s Eligible

Current or former owners or lessees of Volkswagen or Audi vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EA888 engine. This includes the following models and model years:

Consumers can check their eligibility with the VIN lookup found on the VW engine water pump defect class action settlement website.

Potential Award

An extended warranty and repair or replacement reimbursement up to $4,000.

The new extended warranty will cover the repair and replacement of failed engine water pumps for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Under the warranty, the reimbursement percentage depends on the number of miles a vehicle has driven and the time that has passed since the in-service date.

The amount that a Class Member can recover for reimbursement will depend on a variety of factors including the mileage and age of the vehicles as well as what type of damage occurred. Reimbursement claims for failed water pumps is capped at $950 while reimbursement for failed engines is capped at $4,000.

Reimbursement for both settlement claims and future warranty claims will follow these rules:

Proof of Purchase

Repair record(s), receipts, proof of payment, and proof of adherence to the vehicle’s maintenance schedule.

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

4/30/2020

Case Name

Coffeng, et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America Inc., Case No. 3:17-cv-01825-JD, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Final Hearing

5/14/2020

UPDATE: The VW Engine Water Pump Defect Class Action Settlement was granted final approval on June 10, 2020. Let Top Class Actions know when you receive a check in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.

Claims Administrator

Engine Water Pump Settlement Administrator
c/o Epiq
P.O. Box 2530
Portland, OR 97208-2530
info@EngineWaterPumpSettlement.com
1-877-363-7829

Class Counsel

Gary S. Graifman
KANTROWITZ GOLDHAMER & GRAIFMAN PC

Thomas P. Sobran
THOMAS P. SOBRAN PC

Patrice Bishop
STULL STULL & BRODY

Defense Counsel

Michael B. Gallub
HERZFELD & RUBIN PC

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62 thoughts onVW Engine Water Pump Defect Class Action Settlement

  1. Calen C Chrzan says:

    “Received a “Notice of INCOMPLETE Claim Form Submission” with the ineligibility conditions that says “Supporting documentation reflecting your adherence to the Vehicle Maintenance Schedule relevant to the function of the coolant system, including use of the specification of coolant fluid recommended by VW and Audi…” Vehicle always serviced by Audi dealership at the prescribed intervals. I was looking for the “Maintenance Schedule relevant to the function of the cooling system.” I could find nothing in the maintenance requirements regarding the cooling system other than “Cooling System – check level, add if necessary.” No problems with coolant level until the pump cracked and failed. I hope they don’t send something like this to everyone.” I received the same form letter related to the claim for my 2012 Golf GTi. The first cooling system maintenence is at the 40,000 mile service interval. My water pump failed just after my 60,000 mile service. I sent them a copy of the dealer signed page from my warranty booklet from my 40,000 mile service and a copy of my dealer receipt for that service. They also claimed I didn’t send them proof that I owned the car which I did. I sent them a copy of my sales contract and my 2019 Texas Vehicle registration receipt and a photo of the car and my plates that match the receipt. My lawyer advised NOT to send a copy of my Title that proves ownership. What more proof do these cheaply paid court interns want of ownership? I mean my name is on my repair recepts also. Doesnt’t all this prove who owns the vehicle? On a side note, The new design water pump replaces the plastic housing where it attaches to the motor with a metal housing which should make the pumps last longer.

    1. ANONAMOUS says:

      I TOO GOT THE SAME LETTER. I WENT TO THE EXTREME TO GET THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS JUST TO GET A LETTER BASICALLY SAYING” YOU WILL NOT BE GETTING REIMBURSED”. TO EVERYONE THAT HAS PURCHASED THE VW/AUDI VEHICLES,EVEN AS I HAVE, NOT 1 VEHICLE BUT 2. THE CORPORATION IS LETTING US KNOW, I WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY BUT WE CAN’T BACK UP OUR NAME OR PRODUCT. BUT NEVERTHELESS, RECIPROCITY IS REAL. THEY WILL REAP WHAT THEY HAVE SOWN.

    2. Kate says:

      I received a similar letter back at the beginning of August, requesting that I send proof of adherence to the maintenance requirement as relating to the coolant system. At the time, I thought… okay… what proof do they need because apart from keeping an eye on the level of coolant and regularly having your car serviced (during which the mechanics also just make sure the coolant level is adequate) there is not much you can show for it.

      To be sure, I called my mechanic and he agreed with me. Said in all the reports that they do not even mention the coolant system because there is nothing to maintain through regular servicing. I sent a letter back to the settlement group saying as much. I thought it would be enough, but now reading what every one else has to say on this subject, I’m worried I will not receive a settlement check since I could not “prove” maintenance on the coolant system.

      If enough of us have this problem, is there a joint course of action we can take?

      1. Courtney says:

        Received the same letter. Submitted all documentation and mailed it certified signature required. I have replaced the water pump twice. Thousands of dollars spent! I emailed them to confirm they received my documents as according to usps they did well before the 10/16 deadline and the replied they received it and will reach out to me if they need more info! This settlement was as big a scam as the faulty water pumps. I don’t think we will get anything

        1. VW says:

          I havent received anything yet, but based off the first replies on this form i dont expect any good news. Its very interesting how this firm is working. We spent the money they take the money just as you would expect from a law firm.

    3. Mya says:

      There is clearly something fraudulent going on with this class action, the Lawyers over the case are not being honest and used all of our information to get over. We have not and will not receive any compensation for our repairs. They are requesting information that has already been supplied to prolong the process. They need a class action against them.

      1. Pat J. says:

        I was thinking of going that route. I have received three denials and I have responded to all three of them. You are aware of the fact that this law firm has already been paid by VW / Audi and the less that they pay out means more money in their pocket. This is unfair and possibly illegal.

  2. Old Farmer says:

    Received a “Notice of INCOMPLETE Claim Form Submission” with the ineligibility conditions that says “Supporting documentation reflecting your adherence to the Vehicle Maintenance Schedule relevant to the function of the coolant system, including use of the specification of coolant fluid recommended by VW and Audi…” Vehicle always serviced by Audi dealership at the prescribed intervals. I was looking for the “Maintenance Schedule relevant to the function of the cooling system.” I could find nothing in the maintenance requirements regarding the cooling system other than “Cooling System – check level, add if necessary.” No problems with coolant level until the pump cracked and failed. I hope they don’t send something like this to everyone.

    1. blm says:

      So what does it say? What do you need to fix the claim?

    2. Calen says:

      I received the same frikkin form letter and called the settlement administrator. They wanted the page out of the VW warranty booklet that prooves I maintaned the coolant system. (40,000) mile service. I informed them that VW vehicles come with the proper G13 Coolant installed in them and the 40,000 mile service is the first coolant system check. I also included my repair order for the failed water pump at 63,000 miles wherr it clearly states replaced VW G13 Coolant. I mean what more do these cheaply hired court interns who have no understanding of the case or cannot read or understand VW or Audi wanrranties or Service want?

    3. Calen says:

      O’h I failed to mention that they wanted my reply to correct the deficiencies by October 16th which I mailed them the data they wanted a week ago. I went round and round with them on the phone and was hung up on when I called them incompetent and unable to interpret the original proof of ownership data I sent with the original claim and how they couldn’t read my repair order for the failed pump and that they were unfamiliar with the VW warranty and service requirements. I called them back the next day, and opologized and asked them what more could I send in that will satisfy them and to not give me a form letter answer. That is when they said the page out of the warranty and service booklet. If they would have been honest to begin with and not just read something off of a form letter I wouldn’t have got upset.

  3. Kim Green says:

    Replaced my water pump, filed the claim , then replaced my new water pump 13 months later. Of course the warranty was for 12 months so out of pocket for me again. Wish I could add the second pump to my claim.
    For sell 2013 VW CC Sport, anyone interested?

  4. blm says:

    Has anyone contacted the Administrator to find out when checks will be mailed? I read in court papers it would be like sept 23. Please let us know if anyone actually contacted them for date. Thanks

    1. AngieB says:

      Where did you read this in the court documents. I have searched for that info but I wasn’t able to find it.

      1. nonamer says:

        I read it on Pacer on the court docs that the checks were to be mailed 75 days after the effective date which would make it Sept 23, 2020.

        1. ANGIE BOUDREAUX says:

          Thanks so much! i doubt that the checks will be mailed on time! I would be surprised if we received a check from them before October!!

          1. blm says:

            I did call the administrator and was told they would be mailed 75 days from the effective day. That would be the 23rd. She only said that is when they plan on sending them not that they are.

  5. ME says:

    WHERE ARE OUR CHECKS?

    1. Top Class Actions says:

      If the settlement administrator is on track according to the settlement website, looks like approved claimants could see checks end of September or beginning of October.

      1. Angie says:

        I saw on FB that someone received a letter from the settlement admin requesting more info. i thought that they would have sent out the request for more info sooner than Sept 21.

  6. Cornelious Burns says:

    When can I received my payment on the water pump that I had to replace on my Volkswagen CC 2013

    1. BLW says:

      WHEN WILL CHECKS BE MAILED?

  7. Sheryl Cochran says:

    Any word on our reimbursements?

  8. Brenda says:

    Well at the recommendation of the dealership where I purchased my CC I was informed it would cost more (for the third replacement) to repair than what my car was worth Only to learn that they sold and made a profit on the sale. It was replaced 3 times, causing other issues as result. Shame! I too filed claim in January of 2020.

  9. Rachel Rooks says:

    I completed the claim for my water pump reimbursement several month ago and haven’t heard anything. Now I have to take my car in again because of some type of heating and cooling issue.

    1. Joan says:

      Yes, same here. I had to spend $2000 to fix this junk VW and it still gives me problems. I am also waiting to hear about my refund. I think we should start charging interest to VW for each day they do not pay up!

      1. Jennifer Mora says:

        did you receive a check yet, i got the same notice i spent 2500.00 getting this lemon fixed. Tiguan 2010.

  10. Rebecca Szeman says:

    Had my water pump replaced last may, and it had to be replaced again yesterday!! Had to fight to not pay again! When is this going to be settled?

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