Volkswagon vehicles at dealership

Volkswagen Front Assist Class Action Lawsuit

By: Nicole Halavi

Volkswagen, also commonly known as VW, is a German automotive brand founded in 1937 and headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Despite its reputable position in the auto market, the brand has attracted numerous consumer complaints that have resulted in class-action lawsuits. For example, a recent class-action lawsuit filed against Volkswagen alleges that several models have exhibited defects in the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system (sometimes called a “front assist” system).  Notably, VW is one of many automakers that is reported to suffer issues with its AEB systems. 

If your Volkswagen vehicle has exhibited AEB issues or other serious warranty defects, CCA is here to help.

We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What is an Automatic Braking System?

Automatic braking is a safety technology that automatically activates the vehicle’s brake system, to some degree, when necessary. Systems vary from pre-charging brakes to slowing the vehicle to lessen the damage. Some advanced systems completely take over and stop the vehicle before a collision occurs.  The idea is that – if a driver isn’t paying attention and about to crash, in an emergency, the vehicle’s AEB system will automatically take over and apply the brakes. 

What is the Automatic Emergency Braking Issue in the Volkswagen Vehicles that led to a Class Action Lawsuit?

According to the Volkswagen class-action lawsuit, the AEB system in various models is defected and causes sudden and abrupt activation. The lawsuit alleges that all 2015-2019 models equipped with the Front Assist Features could be equipped with this defective braking system. 

However, this mechanism seems to have a negative impact and, in fact, in certain cases actually increases the chances of a potentially dangerous accident. The plaintiffs claim the AEB is defective due to software coding problems that result in unexpected and uncalled for emergency braking.

A user of the Volkswagen Golf 2018 describes the problem as follows: “The ‘front assist’ system on a 2018 VW Golf R is prone to making unsafe abrupt stops in traffic. If a leading car makes an abrupt stop, the front assist system applies instant heavy braking even when the driver is already bringing the car to a smooth stop at a safe distance. This double-braking results in unexpected skidding and risks a rear-end collision with following cars. The manual override to front assist is pressing hard on the gas pedal. This action can’t be performed when the driver is already bringing the car to a stop.”

Here is a partial list of Volkswagen Vehicles that, according to the class-action lawsuit, experience the Front Assist issue detailed above:

  • 2015 Premium Touareg SUV models
  • 2015 – 2019 Jetta
  • 2015 – 2019 Beetle
  • 2015 – 2019 CC
  • 2015 – 2019 e-Golf
  • 2015 – 2019 Golf
  • 2015 – 2019 Golf R
  • 2015 – 2019 Golf GTI
  • 2015 – 2019 Golf SportWagen

The lawsuit also states that VW has been actively concealing the issue and refuses to cover any repairs because the emergency braking system is working as intended.

What Can I Do if My Volkswagen Model is Exhibiting Issues Resulting from a Defective Front Assist System?

If you are an owner of any of the models mentioned in the list above or have been exhibiting any repeat issues with you AEB, CCA’s attorneys are here to help. Our attorneys are knowledgeable about the problems concerning VW vehicles and are prepared to get you the compensation that you deserve.

Please do not hesitate to contact our experts today for a free consultation at: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

About the Author
Sepehr Daghighian is a partner with CCA that is well-versed in all aspects of lemon-law litigation. A 2005 graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. Daghighian has been practicing litigation throughout the state of California for over 13-years. In this time, Mr. Daghighian has advocated on behalf of California consumers in hundreds of lemon law cases throughout our great state. Mr. Daghighian has also successfully tried numerous such cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court.