Category: Volkswagen

A driver's hand is on the steering wheel of a Volkswagen, with a blurred view of the road and a side mirror showing the reflection of the landscape.

By: Michael H. Rosenstein, Esq.

Volkswagen is a German automotive brand founded in 1937 and headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. The brand became increasingly popular with consumers worldwide and is now one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers. VW’s TSI engine is a high-performance engine known for its low fuel consumption, which also makes it one of the brand’s most popular engines. Despite its popularity, the engine has been the source of many complaints from VW drivers as a result of vehicle stalls. This has ultimately led to a class-action lawsuit against VW which alleges that VW engine defects have caused vehicle stalling in the Volkswagen GTI, Golf, Passat, Jetta, and Tiguan models.

If your Volkswagen vehicle has exhibited any serious engine issues or presents unrepaired engine defects, such as engine stalling, CCA is here to help. We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What is the Volkswagen Stalling Defect?

The class-action lawsuit filed against the Volkswagen engine alleges that defected 2.0L TSI engines cause a stall in the following 2018 and 2019 VW models: Volkswagen GTI, Golf, Passat, Jetta, and Tiguan models. Owners of these models have filed multiple complaints that claim that the defective engine created problems such as excessive oil consumption, stalling, and clicking/tapping sounds.

Simply put, an engine stall means the engine has died or has stopped properly functioning. This can be dangerous as an engine stalling unexpectedly while driving may lead to a serious accident. A user explained these issues: “Car randomly shuts and stalls. I’ve had the car for 6 days, and it’s done it four times. Three when stopped or going 5mph or less on the highway of ramps. Once when going about 20mph in traffic. The car is a manual, and at all times the clutch was fully depressed.”

A user of the 2019 VW Jetta expressed his disappointment with VW’s service team: “VW has told me there is nothing wrong with the vehicle, despite its obvious overconsumption of oil. I have had to fill the oil tank twice now, in 6 months. Bone dry, twice… Terrible service. Not helpful, and very condescending.”

Ultimately, Volkswagen customers filed the class-action lawsuit against the automobile manufacturer. In addition to the stalling issue, the plaintiffs also claim that VW will not take any responsibility for the engine defects, leaving customers financially burdened by the cost of having these problems addressed. One plaintiff also claims that the engine problem persisted even after spending nearly $2,000 on repairs.   The lawsuit also refers to a petition that was submitted to the government requesting an investigation following 157 engine complaints regarding the engine stalling defect. NHTSA has not yet released any additional information regarding the acceptance or denial of the petition to investigate the Volkswagen vehicles. 

What Can I Do if My Volkswagen Model is Subject to Engine issues?

If you have experienced any of the engine defects discussed above or have been trying to contact the automaker regarding the issue without any luck, CAA is here to help. CCA’s attorneys are experienced in assisting VW customers throughout the State with their vehicle’s engine issues. Feel free to reach out to us for a quick and free consultation regarding your vehicle: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

A grey Audi Q7 SUV parked on a city street lined with palm trees.
By Michelle Fausto

Volkswagen-owned Audi guarantees that “every Audi SUV embodies our commitment to safety, versatility, and the sheer enjoyment of the ride.”  However, VW-Audi’s promises of safety are belied by recent fuel system problems found in some Audi Q-series vehicles. Audi has been forced to recently issue a series of recalls relating to the fuel and cooling systems on its Q3, Q5, and Q7 SUVs as a result of increased customer complaints and warranty repairs.  If your Audi Q3, Q5, or Q7 has suffered excessive repairs or days down for service, we invite you to contact the lemon law experts at CCA for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

Fuel and Cooling System Problems in Audi Q5, Q7, and Several A-Series Vehicles 

Cooling systems ensure that heat is absorbed from a car’s engine and is released through the radiator. The job of a coolant pump is to transfer heat away from the engine, but if the coolant pump fails then the cooling system can overheat.  More than 342,800 Audi vehicles equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, which contain an electric coolant pump, were recalled in April 2018. Among these vehicles includes the 2013-2017 Audi Q5, Audi A5 Cabriolet, and A5 Sedans models. The electric coolant pumps are said to be susceptible to debris blockage, which in turn can cause the whole cooling system to overheat or short-circuit due to excessive moisture accumulation within the pump. A fire can break out due to overheating and short-circuits. 

List of vehicles affected by Recall 19N3/19N4 for defective electric coolant pumps: 

  • 2013-2017 Audi Q5 
  • 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet 
  • 2013-2017 A5 Sedan 
  • 2012-2015 Audi A6 
  • 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan 
  • 2013-2016 Audi A4 Allroad

In a most recent case, Audi vehicles like the 2016-2018 Q7, A6, and A7 were also affected by defects that may increase the risk of a car fire. Volkswagen Group recalled these vehicles in January 2019 because of a defect on the left and right fuel rails that can lead to fuel leakage. Because fuel rails deliver fuel to the injectors, a fuel leakage can possibly lead to a fire. At least 74,800 Audi vehicles faced a risk of fuel leakage. 

List of vehicles affected by Recall 24DP for fuel rail defects: 

  • 2016-2018 Audi Q7 
  • 2016-2018 Audi A6 
  • 2016-2018 Audi A7 
  • 2015-2018 Audi A8 

On a similar note, 2013-2017 Audi Q5 and Q7 vehicles were recalled (Recall 20Z8) in May 2017 for problems of fuel leakage. More than 240,400 vehicles were at risk of experiencing a crack on their vehicle’s fuel tank flange. If the leak is found near an ignition source, the car can catch on fire. Many consumers have reported signs of gasoline order and their check-engine light turning on, signs of a leaky flange. 

What Have Consumers Been Saying About Their Fuel System? 

Several Audi Q5 owners have expressed their complaints with the fuel system. One owner said that they received a letter from Audi regarding electric coolant pump issues. They were frustrated that Audi had not provided parts to fix the problem in a timely manner; Instead, owners were advised by Audi to “park the vehicle outside at night so that if it does catch fire, it is less likely to burn down your house”. Another Audi Q5 owner complained of the car smelling “like unburned raw fuel” when it’s parked in the garage, calling it a “safety, health, and environmental” concern. 

Audi Q7 owners also express concerns about their safety when driving their cars. One consumer said they are concerned with their safety because they smell gas whenever they park their car and “even after a short drive of about 3 miles”. Another consumer had a terrifying experience with their Q7, recalling that the gas pipe above their Audi’s engine popped when they tried to start the car. This issue caused gas to leak out, which they state might have caused the car to catch fire if the engine would’ve been hot. 

How We Can Help 

If you purchased or leased one of these vehicles and have experienced serious unsolved fuel system defects, our expert lemon law attorneys at CCA are eager to help. To get connected with our attorneys and receive a free consultation, please contact us today at (833) LEMON-FIRM.