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Audi, VW class action lawsuit overview:
- Who: Plaintiff Julie Kimball has filed a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen and Audi.
- Why: The Volkswagen and Audi class action lawsuit alleges the automakers concealed a turbocharger defect in some of their vehicles.
- Where: The lawsuit was filed in New Jersey federal court.
Audi and Volkswagen concealed a turbocharger defect in some of their vehicles, according to a class action lawsuit filed June 21 in New Jersey federal court.
Plaintiff Julie Kimball says she leased a 2010 Audi A4 in 2009 and purchased the vehicle when the lease expired. In 2019, her Audi allegedly experienced the turbocharger defect. She says she paid about $3,000 to diagnose the issue and replace the turbocharger.
Turbocharger defect manifests after warranty expires, VW, Audi class action lawsuit says
The Audi and VW class action lawsuit alleges the turbocharger defect affects the following Volkswagen and Audi 1.8L and 2.0L vehicles:
- 2012-2014 VW Beetles
- 2009-2012 VW CC
- 2009-2012 VW Eos
- 2008-2012 VW GTI
- 2008-2014 VW Jetta
- 2008-2010 VW Passat
- 2009-2014 VW Tiguan
- 2008-2012 Audi A3
- 2009-2013 Audi A4
- 2009-2013 Audi A5
- 2012 Audi A6
- 2009-2012 Audi TT
- 2011-2012 Audi Q5
The engines in these vehicles reportedly have an exhaust gas turbocharger with a vacuum-operated internal wastegate that harnesses the exhaust gases to spin an axial turbine and compressor, supplying pre-compressed air to the engine cylinders for combustion when fuel is injected.
“When functioning properly, the class engine turbocharger increases torque and horsepower of class engines on demand,” the Audi class action lawsuit says.
However, the exhaust manifold and turbine side of the turbochargers allegedly create vibrations that can prematurely wear out the wastegate, causing it to become nonfunctional.
The VW turbocharger defect manifests shortly after the limited powertrain warranties expire, the Audi and VW class action lawsuit asserts.
VW, Audi class action lawsuit says automakers knew of turbocharger defect but concealed from consumers
Kimball says Audi and VW were aware of the turbocharger defect based on pre-production testing, design failure mode analysis, consumer complaints, warranty and replacement data from dealerships and other information available to the automakers. Despite this knowledge, they allegedly concealed the turbocharger defect from consumers.
In 2017, Volkswagen and Audi faced allegations that they concealed an engine defect that caused engine failure and required owners to pay hundreds of dollars to fix.
Do you own an Audi or Volkswagen vehicle? What do you think of the allegations in the VW class action lawsuit that the automakers concealed a turbocharger defect? Let us know in the comments below!
Kimball is represented by Gary S. Graifman of Kantrowitz Goldhamer & Graifman PC and Thomas P. Sobran of Thomas P. Sobran PC.
The Audi, VW class action lawsuit is Julie Kimball v. Volkswagen Group of America Inc., Case No. 2:22-cv-04163, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
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46 thoughts onVW, Audi class action alleges certain vehicles have turbocharger defect
My 2013 Tiguan just got diagnosed with this problem by the dealership. I would like to be part of this lawsuit.
I am experiencing this same exact issue with my pre-owned 2021 Jetta SE with only 68k miles. When all is said and done, I will have spent $3,200 not including labor! Please feel free to contact me.
Make that $4131.12!
at 150k miles my turbocharger gave out. I replaced the turbocharger at a cost of ~$3,000. Now it’s still a problem and I think it’s the wastegate now. Anything I can do?
my 2011 a4 was a moneypit. always in the shop!
Bought a 2013 Tiguan in Dec 2020 in excellent condition, with only 81,000 miles, as my daughter’s first vehicle . Regularly maintained and documented on the Car Fax report before purchase and after. Just paid $3200 to replace the turbocharger at 89,000 miles because of faulty waste gate. The mechanics, at each of the 3 shops I visited to get repair estimates, all said that this faulty turbocharger issue is so common with the Tiguans, that It’s a running joke. I am furious that Volkswagen can get away with ignoring this issue, and would willingly join a class action lawsuit.
Same as 2016 Passat. I have a 2017 Passat 8 months past warranty at 41000 miles. On Saturday, my EPC light came on and car vibrated. Then EPC and check engine light. After putting in park and turning off car, it would not restart. Being told it needs a new engine! No other warning signs….just died that day! How is this possible with all my regular maintenance and no previous issues?? Sounds like a manufacturer defect!! Just like the 2016 Passat posted above…..
Also having turbo issues on our 2013 Tiguan. Code is P0299.
The turbo charger on my 2014 Jetta blew at 25K miles. Even though my vehicle was under warranty, they claimed it failed due to “outside influence” and refused to fix it. We had to pay about $4,300 with financing charges to get it replaced. I want to join the class action lawsuit to recover my funds. Can anyone provide me with the information of the lawyer(s) to contact regarding this?
2012 jetta volkswagen – 150,000 miles, just took it in to vw and diagnosis is broken turbo
A5 Audi 2013 sign me up please