UPDATE:
- Volkswagen has agreed to a settlement to end class action claims that Audi and Volkswagen concealed a turbocharger defect in some of their vehicles. The settlement website is currently not live. Join our newsletter for updates on this and other class action settlements.
- Volkswagen and Audi drivers asked a New Jersey federal judge to preliminarily approve the proposed class settlement in a memo filed on Feb. 28.
- The settlement covers Volkswagen and Audi vehicles built with generation 1, 2 or 3 EA888 engines, including models like the Audi A4, Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen Tiguan.
- Plaintiff Julie Kimball filed the class action lawsuit in June 2022. In 2019, her model year 2010 Audi A4 allegedly experienced the turbocharger defect, costing her about $3,000 to diagnose the issue and replace the turbocharger.
- The proposed Volkswagen turbocharger settlement would have Volkswagen cover as much as half of certain out-of-pocket expenses the vehicle owners paid during the first 85,000 miles.
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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72 thoughts onVolkswagen reaches settlement in VW, Audi turbocharger class action
I have a 2012 VW Tiguan and I have replaced both fuel pumps and the turbocharger
I have a 2008 audi a4 and the turbo went out in it why is it not on list I have spent thousands dollars on this car and not to mention there something going on with there fuel system because I had to replace my fuel pump 3 times since having the car and i only have had my car 3 yrs
I have a 2012 VW Tiguan and I have replaced both fuel pumps and the turbocharger
Yes I had a turbo problem too with my 2008 VW Passat. The issue is a shame when automakers know and still want more from the consumer even after we purchase vehicles from them. It serves them right to have to compensate the people.
A4 2012 ,with sputtering at low gear. Persistent check engine light. Turbo engine had to be replaced for over $4,000.
I had a 2010 Tourareg TDI had to replace turbo. Was leaking fumes into cabin. 8000.00 dollars later. And a few weeks later the vehicle was worth nothing because of emissions scam. Had to turn in vehicle it was not fixable for emissions scam.
I spent 7500 on a replacement engine, I had my 09 VW CC ,2 weeks. I have epc issues still, if the car heats up it dont want to start,and it doesnt over heat, ive changed all the sensors which was more money because it read they needed changed,and its still saying they need changed. I spent 300 replacing the intake manifold ,brand new smh. That car has been nothing but a money pit, and I really loved that car.
2012 cc engine blown
Yes I am interested the suit thank you so much thanks for everything.
wow i have a 2022 Taos and im haveing epc lught issues , car stalling at take of, doesnt accelerate properly i had several occasions where i had to avoid accidents its not safe i’ve contacted customer care ive been to dealer several times they all keep giving me the run around someone please help, the sold me a unsafe car that im still paying for