This class action involves a long list of vehicles, designed, made, and sold by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., Audi of America, Inc., Volkswagen AG, and Audi AG. The complaint alleges that the thermoplastic water pump module has a defect that causes it to fail prematurely. When this defect manifests, the complaint claims, “it may cause the engines in the Class Vehicles to overheat, resulting in sudden and catastrophic engine failure.”
The Nationwide Class is all persons or entities in the US who are or were owners or lessees of a class vehicle. A California Class has also been defined, for those who live in California and bought their class vehicles in California. The class vehicles are the following:
- 2015-2020 Audi A3
- 2015-2019 Audi A3 Quattro
- 2017-2019 Audi A4
- 2017-2019 Audi A4 Allroad
- 2017-2019 Audi A4 Quattro
- 2018-2019 Audi A5 Quattro
- 2018-2019 Audi A5 Sportback
- 2015-2018 Audi A6
- 2015-2018 A6 Quattro
- 2015-2018 Audi Q3
- 2015-2018 Audi Q3 Quattro
- 2018-2020 Audi Q5
- 2016-2020 Audi TT Quattro
- 2017-2019 Audi Q7
- 2015-2019 Audi S3
- 2016-2020 Audi TTS Quattro
- 2019-2020 Volkswagen Arteon
- 2018-2020 Atlas
- 2015-2019 Volkswagen Beetle
- 2015-2018 Volkswagen Golf
- 2017-2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
- 2015-2019 Volkswagen Golf R
- 2015-2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
- 2015-2020 Volkswagen GTI
- 2018-2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
The water pump module includes a water pump, thermostat, and integrated sensors. Its purpose is to cool the engine.
The thermostat checks the engine’s temperature. When the engine temperature reaches a certain point, the thermostat opens and lets the coolant flow in a path between the engine and the radiator. The coolant picks up heat from the engine and releases it in the radiator, then cycles back to the engine again. When the engine is running at a lower temperature, as on cold days, the thermostat stays closed and blocks the coolant from flowing.
In the class vehicles, the housing for the water pump and thermostat is made of plastic. Unfortunately, the housing can crack, which lets coolant leak out.
Then, three things can happen. First, it can leak into the thermostat, where the hot coolant can melt the electrical plug that connects the thermostat to the engine. This may cause the thermostat to get stuck in one position—open, closed, or halfway open. The stuck thermostat then can no longer help the engine maintain an optimal temperature.
Second, the leaking coolant can flow onto the power cables of the vehicle’s computer. This can damage the computer, which is also involved in managing temperature.
Third, the leaking leaves less coolant in the system; eventually, all the coolant will leak out. This also prevents the engine’s temperature from being properly regulated.
The complaint alleges, “The Water Pumps in the Class Vehicles are not maintenance items and should last for the life of the Class Vehicles.”
According to the complaint, Volkswagen and Audi have been aware of the defects in the water pump for quite some time, but they have not warned customers or prospective customers.
The complaint alleges breaches of warranties.
Article Type: LawsuitTopic: Automobile
Most Recent Case Event
Volkswagen and Audi Defective Water Pump Complaint
May 14, 2021
This class action involves a long list of vehicles, designed, made, and sold by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., Audi of America, Inc., Volkswagen AG, and Audi AG. The complaint alleges that the thermoplastic water pump module has a defect that causes it to fail prematurely. When this defect manifests, the complaint claims, “it may cause the engines in the Class Vehicles to overheat, resulting in sudden and catastrophic engine failure.”
Volkswagen and Audi Defective Water Pump ComplaintCase Event History
Volkswagen and Audi Defective Water Pump Complaint
May 14, 2021
This class action involves a long list of vehicles, designed, made, and sold by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., Audi of America, Inc., Volkswagen AG, and Audi AG. The complaint alleges that the thermoplastic water pump module has a defect that causes it to fail prematurely. When this defect manifests, the complaint claims, “it may cause the engines in the Class Vehicles to overheat, resulting in sudden and catastrophic engine failure.”
Volkswagen and Audi Defective Water Pump Complaint