— A VW timing chain class-action lawsuit may be nearing the end as the automaker has agreed to settle the multidistrict litigation that comprises seven class-action lawsuits.
Owners claim they pay thousands to replace the camshafts, timing chains, chain tensioners, brackets, valves and finally the engines.
The class-action lawsuit alleges that contrary to what actually happens to a vehicle, Volkswagen says the timing chain tensioning system is expected to last for about 120,000 miles without the need for repairs. More proof of that is allegedly seen in the owner's manual that doesn't show any required timing chain system inspection or maintenance schedules.
The lawsuit further alleges Audi and VW sent several technical service bulletins (TSBs) to dealers describing the timing chain problems, with the first bulletin sent to dealers in 2010. This, according to the plaintiffs, is clear evidence Audi and VW knew about the defects.
The first lawsuit was filed in 2016 by plaintiff David Zimand and followed quickly by other lawsuits, all eventually consolidated in the District of New Jersey. According to the proposed settlement, it's possible hundreds of thousands of Audi and Volkswagen owners may be eligible for reimbursements.
The proposed settlement includes all consumers who purchased or leased certain 2008-2014 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles that will be determined by the vehicle identification numbers (VINs).
However, in the David Zimand lawsuit, these Audi and Volkswagen vehicles were named at the time:
- 2008-2010 and 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
- 2009-2013 Volkswagen CC
- 2008 -2012 Volkswagen EOS
- 2008-2012 Volkswagen Golf
- 2008-2012 Volkswagen GTI
- 2008-2012 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2008-2012 Volkswagen Passat
- 2008-2011 Volkswagen R32
- 2008-2010 Volkswagen Rabbit
- 2009-2012 Volkswagen Routan
- 2008-2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
- 2008-2013 Volkswagen Touareg
- 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid
- 2008-2012 Audi A3
- 2008-2012 Audi A4
- 2008-2012 Audi A5
- 2010-2012 Audi A6
- 2012 Audi A7
- 2008-2012 Audi TT
- 2010-2012 Audi Q3
- 2009-2012 Audi Q5
- 2012 Audi Q7
According to the terms, reimbursement amounts will be determined based on the age of the vehicle, how many miles are on the odometer and if the timing chain tensioner, timing chain or engine was replaced.
A customer will be reimbursed 100 percent of the paid dealer invoice amount for the covered part(s) and labor repairs or replacement of the timing chain tensioner at an authorized Audi or Volkswagen dealer within 10 years or 100,000 miles (whichever occurs first) from date the vehicle went into service.
If repaired at an independent service center, a customer will receive a refund of the paid invoice amount for the covered parts and labor, up to $1,100.
For timing chain replacements, customers will be reimbursed 100 percent of the paid dealer invoice amount for the covered part(s) and labor repairs or replacement of the timing chains at authorized Audi or Volkswagen dealers within 10 years or 100,000 miles (whichever occurs first) from date the vehicles went into service.
If repaired at an independent service center, a customer will receive a refund of the paid invoice amount for the covered parts and labor, up to $1,500. If both the chain and tensioner were replaced, reimbursement is up to $2,000.
If a customer had the engine replaced due to damage from the timing chain or timing chain tensioner, the owner or lessee will be reimbursed 100 percent of the invoice amount subject to time and mileage qualifications.
If repaired at an independent service center, the customer will receive a reimbursement of no more than $6,500, subject to time/mileage limits.
The proposed Audi and VW timing chain settlement also extends the new vehicle limited warranty to cover timing chain and timing chain tensioner repairs or replacements by an authorized dealer.
The class-action settlement still must be finalized by the judge, but the plaintiffs and VW say the terms are fair and adequate. Affected owners and lessees will be contacted based on the vehicle identification numbers.
The VW timing chain class-action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey - In re: Volkswagen Timing Chain Product Liability Litigation.
The plaintiffs are represented by Carella, Byrne, Cecchi, Olstein, Brody & Agnello, P.C., Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C., Thomas P. Sobran, P.C., Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman, McCuneWright LLP, Seeger Weiss, and Baron & Budd.
