Audi Class Action Alleges Defect Causes Vehicles to Shut Down

Audi Gateway Control Module Defect Class Action Lawsuit Overview:

• Why: The VW class action lawsuit alleges the gateway control module in certain Audi vehicles is vulnerable to liquid exposure, which can cause the vehicle to shut down suddenly and increase the risk of collision.
• Who: Three plaintiffs filed a class action lawsuit alleging Volkswagen concealed a gateway control module defect.
• Where: The Audi class action lawsuit was filed in New Jersey federal court.

Volkswagen concealed a gateway control module defect that causes some Audi vehicles to shut down unexpectedly, even while they are being driven, according to an Audi class action lawsuit filed last week in New Jersey federal court.

Plaintiffs Meghan Gioffe, Melissa Anido, and Alan Wurzelbacher filed the Volkswagen class action lawsuit on behalf of themselves and a proposed Class of people in the United States who purchased or leased a 2017 or later model Audi equipped with a gateway control module located under the rear bench seats.

The specific vehicles allegedly affected by the gateway control module defect include 2018 to present model years of Audi Q5, Audi SQ5, Audi Q7, and Audi A8 vehicles.

What Causes the Audi Gateway Control Module Defect?

The gateway control module allows different control modules in the vehicle to communicate, including the modules that control the vehicle’s airbags and drivetrain. These communication systems can identify and forward information about possible collision situations to the airbag control module, which then identifies which actuators to activate.

The Audi class action lawsuit alleges the gateway control module in the affected vehicles was placed in an unsealed compartment below the vehicles’ rear bench seat, where it is easily exposed to liquid. Rainwater from outside the vehicle and spills in the interior of the vehicle can allegedly reach the gateway module.

When the Audi gateway control module is exposed to liquid, it can fail and cause the vehicle to immediately lose power. As a result, drivers are allegedly prevented from maintaining speed, controlling the steering wheel, or engaging the brakes, putting them at an increased risk of collision. 

VW Concealed the Audi Defect from Consumers, Class Action Claims

The plaintiffs allege Volkswagen concealed this Audi gateway control module defect from consumers and did not warn them that their vehicles were susceptible to sudden failure.

The Audi class action lawsuit claims that the Volkswagen defendants knew about the defect from pre-production testing, design failure mode analysis, requests for warranty coverage, and customer complaints. Automobile safety regulators also allegedly contacted the automaker in August 2020 regarding reports of vehicle failures related to the alleged defect.

Nonetheless, the Volkswagen defendants allegedly deny warranty coverage for the defect, and owners must pay as much as $1,800 to replace the gateway control module, plus any other components that were damaged. Dealerships allegedly tell customers to avoid bringing liquids in their vehicles and to avoid driving in the rain.

Have you experienced issues related to the Audi gateway control module defect? Tell us your story in the comments below!

The plaintiffs are represented by Lawrence Deutsch and Abigail J. Gertner of Berger Montague PC.

The Audi Gateway Control Module Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Meghan Gioffe, et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America Inc., et al., Case No. 1:22-cv-00193, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

• Volkswagen and Audi Takata Airbags Defect $42M Class Action Settlement
• Progressive Schemed With Mitchell to Reduce Payouts for Total Loss Cars, Class Action Alleges
• Geico To Pay $24M To Settle Claims It Short-changed Customers With Totaled Cars
• Nissan Transmission Defect Settlement Totaling $277.7M Gets Prelim Approval