VW class action overview:
- Who: Eight Volkswagen drivers are suing the automaker.
- Why: The plaintiffs claim Volkswagen Atlas vehicles have defective braking systems.
- Where: The VW class action was filed in California federal court.
A group of Volkswagen owners from California, New York and Illinois has filed a class action lawsuit against the automaker alleging the company sold 2021-2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles with defective braking systems.
Plaintiffs Robert and Jacqueline Wright, Jennifer Segarini, Catherine Wilson, Andreas Zembrzycki, Edward Norris, Edward Pishchik and Wamidh Jawad filed the class action complaint against Volkswagen Group of America Inc. on Oct. 11 in a Californai federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws.
According to the recall, the allegedly defective brakes present “significant safety hazards” for drivers and passengers alike.
VW knowingly manufactured vehicles with defective brakes, lawsuit alleges
The lawsuit accuses VW of knowingly manufacturing and distributing vehicles with defective brakes that make “loud, distracting noises” and display erratic braking behavior.
The plaintiffs detail a range of issues, including a high-pitched squealing sound, a grinding noise with metal-on-metal contact and unpredictable braking responses. These defects have led to numerous safety concerns, the lawsuit states.
According to the complaint, the squealing and grinding noises are not only disruptive but can also startle drivers and nearby pedestrians. A “proximity alert issue,” which triggers a warning even when no objects are near, is said to confuse drivers and cause unnecessary distractions.
Meanwhile, the erratic brake function reportedly forces drivers to alter their braking habits, increasing the risk of under-braking or over-braking in critical situations.
The plaintiffs allege that VW knew or should have known about these issues but failed to address them. They claim that despite customers reporting these problems to authorized dealerships, they were often told that the defects were part of the vehicle’s “normal operation.”
As a result, the plaintiffs are suing on behalf of all customers who purchased or leased the affected vehicles, with plaintiffs representing buyers in different states. They’re suing for violations of warranty and state consumer laws, and are seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.
Meanwhile, five Volkswagen and Audi drivers have filed a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers, alleging that the companies sold vehicles with dangerous defects without informing consumers.
What do you think of the allegations in this Volkswagen class action? Let us know in the comments.
The plaintiff is represented by Leland H. Belew, Alex R. Straus and Mitchell Breit of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC.
The VW class action lawsuit is Robert Wright et al., v. Volkswagen Group of America Inc., Case No. 5:24-cv-02171 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Don’t Miss Out!
Check out our list of Class Action Lawsuits and Class Action Settlements you may qualify to join!
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
