Volkswagen $42 Million Settlement: Claim Your Airbag Inflator Award

The recent class action settlement involving Volkswagen AG and its affiliates offers a significant opportunity for certain vehicle owners and lessees to receive compensation. This settlement addresses allegations surrounding the inclusion of potentially defective Takata airbag inflators in specific Volkswagen and Audi vehicles. While Volkswagen denies any wrongdoing, a $42 million settlement has been reached to provide recompense to eligible Class Members without further litigation.

Who Benefits?: Current or former owners or lessees of certain Volkswagen or Audi vehicles as of specific dates may be eligible for settlement benefits.

How much can I get?: The settlement provides various benefits, including a potential cash payment, an Enhanced Rental Car/Loaner Program, an Out-of-Pocket Claims Process, a Customer Support Program, and a potential Residual Distribution.

Important Dates

• Final Approval Date: The settlement received final approval on March 7, 2022. The Effective Date of the Settlement was established as July 8, 2022.
• Deadline to File a Claim: The deadline to submit a claim has not been specified on the official settlement website, indicating that claims may be submitted until a deadline is announced or the settlement fund is exhausted.
• End of Settlement Program Year 1: July 8, 2023, marks the end of the first year of the settlement program.

Identifying Eligible Class Members

Class Members in the Volkswagen Settlement include all individuals and entities who owned or leased the Subject Vehicles distributed for sale or lease in the United States and its territories as of November 10, 2021. It also includes those who sold or returned, pursuant to a lease, a Subject Vehicle after February 9, 2016, and through November 10, 2021.

The settlement specifically addresses economic losses resulting from the alleged airbag defect and does not cover claims for personal injury or property damage to any property other than the Subject Vehicles.

• Current owners or lessees of Subject Vehicles as of November 10, 2021
• Former owners or lessees who sold or returned, pursuant to a lease, a Subject Vehicle after February 9, 2016, and before November 10, 2021

Exclusions from the Class include Volkswagen and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and dealers, as well as Settlement Class Counsel, Plaintiffs’ counsel, and their employees. Judicial officers and their immediate family members and associated court staff assigned to the case, Automotive Recyclers and their outside counsel and employees, and anyone who has timely and properly excluded themselves from the Class are also excluded.

Understanding Settlement Benefits

Class Members may be eligible for various benefits under the Volkswagen Settlement. These benefits are designed to compensate for the inconvenience and potential economic losses related to the Takata airbag inflator issue.

Benefits include:

• Enhanced Rental Car/Loaner Program: A loaner or rental vehicle provided free of charge to owners and lessees who request a vehicle while waiting for the Recall Remedy to be performed on their Subject Vehicle.
• Out-of-Pocket Claims Process: Reimbursement for certain reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to the Takata Airbag Inflator Recalls, such as rental car and transportation expenses, towing charges, childcare expenses, lost wages, and storage fees.
• Customer Support Program: Prospective coverage for repairs and adjustments needed to correct materials or workmanship of replacement driver or passenger inflators installed pursuant to the Takata Airbag Recall.
• Residual Distribution: Potential payments to Class Members from any funds remaining after the payment of eligible claims and program expenses.

Subject Vehicles in the Settlement

The settlement includes specific Volkswagen and Audi vehicles, referred to as “Subject Vehicles,” which were distributed for sale or lease in the United States, its territories, and possessions. A comprehensive list of the Subject Vehicles is available on the official settlement website.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, to claim reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, Class Members must submit a completed Registration/Claim Form along with proof of the expenses incurred.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim an award from the Volkswagen Settlement, eligible Class Members must submit a Registration/Claim Form. This form can be submitted online at the official claim submission page. The form requires detailed information about the Class Member and the Subject Vehicle, as well as documentation supporting any claim for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.

Analyzing the Settlement Fund

The $42 million settlement fund established by Volkswagen is intended to cover all claims and benefits under the Settlement Agreement, as well as attorneys’ fees and expenses. Payments from the Settlement Fund will be made in accordance with the terms outlined in the Settlement Agreement, prioritizing reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses.

If the number of eligible claims submitted by Class Members does not exhaust the Settlement Fund within a given program year, the remaining funds may be distributed to Class Members as part of the Residual Distribution. The exact amount each Class Member may receive will depend on the number of claims filed and the available funds.

Why a Class Action Settlement?

The Volkswagen Settlement resolves a class action lawsuit that alleged the car manufacturer sold vehicles with defective Takata airbag inflators, posing a safety risk to occupants. Volkswagen has agreed to the Settlement to provide compensation to Class Members without admitting any liability or wrongdoing.

The Settlement provides a way for affected vehicle owners and lessees to receive compensation without the need for further litigation. The Court has granted final approval of the Settlement, and Class Members can now submit claims for the various benefits offered.