Volkswagen Audi Settlement for Engine Water Pump Defects

If you currently or previously owned or leased a certain Audi brand vehicle, you may be eligible to claim benefits from a class action settlement.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged defects in the primary engine water pump of certain Audi vehicles. The lawsuit claims that the primary engine water pump in some Audi models was defective, causing it to fail and sometimes requiring repair or replacement. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. denies these claims but has agreed to settle to avoid the risks and costs of litigation.

Who Can Claim an Award?

To be eligible for the settlement, you must be a current or past owner or lessee of a specific Audi vehicle model and year that was imported and distributed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. in the United States or Puerto Rico. The eligible models include:

• MY2013-2018 Audi A6
• MY2013-2018 Audi A7
• MY2013-2018 Audi A8
• MY2013-2017 Audi Q5
• MY2013-2017 Audi S5 (Cabrio and Coupe)
• MY2013-2015 and 2017-2019 Audi Q7
• MY2013-2016 Audi S4
• MY2014-2017 Audi SQ5

However, not every model and year is covered by the settlement. You can verify if your vehicle is eligible by entering your VIN in the VIN Lookup Portal on the official settlement website.

What Awards Can Class Members Claim?

Class members can claim the following benefits:

• Warranty Extension: Effective June 26, 2024, VWGoA will extend its New Vehicle Limited Warranties to cover 75% of the cost of repair or replacement (parts and labor) of a failed primary engine water pump by an authorized Audi dealer, for up to seven years or 75,000 miles from the vehicle's In-Service Date.
• Reimbursement for Past Expenses: If you paid for a repair or replacement of the primary engine water pump before June 26, 2024, and within seven years or 75,000 miles from the vehicle's In-Service Date, you may submit a claim to receive a 75% reimbursement of the paid invoice amount, limited to one repair per vehicle. If the repair was done by a non-Audi dealer, the reimbursement is capped at $1,200.
• Reimbursement for Engine Damage: If you paid for a repair of engine damage directly caused by a failure of the primary engine water pump before June 26, 2024, and within seven years or 75,000 miles from the vehicle's In-Service Date, you may submit a claim to receive a percentage of reimbursement based on the age and mileage of the vehicle at the time of repair. If the repair was done by a non-Audi dealer, the reimbursement is capped at $5,500.

Warranty Extension Coverage Details

The percentage of coverage for engine damage repair costs varies based on the age and mileage of the vehicle at the time of repair:

• Less than 50,000 miles:
• 4 years or less: 100%
• 4-5 years: 80%
• 5-6 years: 65%
• 6-7 years: 50%
• "Timed out" as of Notice Date: 35%

• 50,001 to 55,000 miles:
• 4 years or less: 80%
• 4-5 years: 60%
• 5-6 years: 50%
• 6-7 years: 35%
• "Timed out" as of Notice Date: 25%

• 55,001 to 65,000 miles:
• 4 years or less: 60%
• 4-5 years: 50%
• 5-6 years: 40%
• 6-7 years: 25%
• "Timed out" as of Notice Date: 15%

• 65,001 to 75,000 miles:
• 4 years or less: 55%
• 4-5 years: 40%
• 5-6 years: 25%
• 6-7 years: 15%
• "Timed out" as of Notice Date: 10%

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, claimants need to provide proof to claim an award. The required proof includes:

• An original or legible copy of a repair invoice or record documenting the repair, including the claimant's name, vehicle make, model, VIN, repair date, mileage, and a breakdown of parts and labor costs.
• Proof of payment for the repair.
• Documents or records evidencing adherence to the vehicle's maintenance schedule relevant to the coolant system, including the use of the recommended coolant fluid.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you need to complete, sign, and date a Claim Form, and mail it along with your supporting documentation by First-Class mail, post-marked no later than September 24, 2024, to the Claims Administrator at:

Fiscina v Volkswagen Group of America

C/O Rust Consulting, Inc.-8405

PO Box 2599

Faribault, MN 55021-9599

You can also file a claim online by visiting the online claim form.

Submitting a Claim

Follow these steps to submit a claim:

1. Verify your contact information on the Claim Form.
2. Provide a repair order and/or other records for the repair, including your name, address, vehicle make, model, VIN, repair date, mileage, and proof of payment.
3. Provide proof of adherence to the vehicle's maintenance schedule.
4. Answer whether you received any payment, credit, coverage, concession, or reimbursement for the repair cost from any other source.
5. Sign and date the Claim Form.
6. Mail the completed Claim Form and all required documents to the Claims Administrator by the deadline.

How do I Get Paid?

If your claim is approved, your reimbursement will be mailed to you within 150 days of either the date of receipt of the completed claim or the date the Settlement becomes final, whichever is later.

Important Dates

• Fairness Hearing: September 18, 2024
• Deadline to File a Claim: September 24, 2024

When will Awards be Paid?

Awards will be paid within 150 days of the receipt of the completed claim or the final approval of the Settlement, whichever is later.

Why is there a Class Action Settlement?

This settlement resolves claims that the primary engine water pump in certain Audi vehicles was defective, causing it to fail and sometimes requiring repair or replacement. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. denies these claims but has agreed to settle to avoid the risks and costs of litigation.

What Happens Next?

The Court will hold a Final Fairness Hearing on September 18, 2024, to decide whether to approve the Settlement. If approved, eligible class members will receive their awards as specified.