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New car owners frequently discover that their new ride has flaws. Even the most reliable car can have its fair share of problems, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating when something goes wrong. Every new generation of cars comes with its own set of quirks and issues, but when these issues are disclosed through class action lawsuits, that probably isn’t good news for the automaker. Audi faces class action lawsuits from drivers who own certain models with defective water pumps. This article will give you an overview of the actual problem, class action lawsuits, and their probable outcomes.
The Issues with the Water Pump
A series of water pump problems have plagued Audi, leading to engine failure. This problem is linked to a manufacturing defect and affects several Audi models. Primarily, the water pumps have vulnerable impellers, which can break down over time due to heat and stress. This issue affects Audi models equipped with 3.0-liter turbocharged engines. These vehicles may experience reduced engine performance due to leaks in the water pumps. However, this could lead to engine failure or increased wear on other components in some situations. According to the automaker, a faulty seal installed on the pump caused the problem. Audi owners have reported hearing a squealing or whining noise during certain driving conditions. The sound could signal that the seal has failed and that the pump may fail shortly.
Cars Affected By the Defect
Numerous models from 2013 to 2022, including the S4, Q5, S5, SQ5, A6, A7, Q7, and A8, are affected. The company has issued a recall for affected vehicles because they have installed defective water pumps on some Audi models. You might be eligible for compensation if the flaw damaged your Audi. Therefore, if you own one of these vehicles, you should take it to an Audi dealer to have the water pump replaced.
Audi’s Official Statement
Numerous clients have reported to AUDI AG that the water pump in their cars is faulty and might fail prematurely. The company has now tracked these complaints to a single provider, who has agreed to recall the merchandise. In addition, Audi is working toward developing alternative solutions for the existing cars. In the event of a leak, consumers should contact their Audi dealer, who will replace the water pump and, where necessary, reprogram the engine control unit free of charge.
Potential Consequences for Audi
According to the class action lawsuits, Audi has been accused of failing to warn customers or fix the problem despite being aware of the fault. Many customers have to pay for expensive repairs out of pocket. Some even had their cars totaled as a result of the defect. It’s not the first time they have accused Audi of using defective car parts. In the past, they forced the company to recall more than a million vehicles due to a defect in the airbags. Thus, if Audi is found to be liable for defects in its cars, it could face hefty fines and be forced to recall its vehicles. Also, if customers lose confidence in Audi due to the defective water pump issue, it could lead to a loss of sales. Further, this would affect the company’s profit margin and make investing in new products and technologies even more challenging.
What Is Audi Doing About The Defective Water Pump?
New water pumps will soon start being installed in new cars, according to the automaker, who claims to have found a solution to the issue. In a few months, the present Audi owners will be able to drop off their cars for service. Audi intends to retrofit the new water pumps into all currently affected vehicles. The repair will be free of cost. In the meantime, the NHTSA has opened an investigation into the issue. They want to figure out how big the problem is and what needs to be done about it. Besides, Audi has launched a website dedicated to helping customers understand precisely what is going on with their vehicle and how they can get it repaired if necessary. Customers should also be aware of Audi’s updates concerning resolving this problem.
What to Do If You Own an Affected Car?
If you have a vehicle with a defective water pump, you can do a couple of things. First, check if your car is eligible for compensation. You can do this by visiting Audi’s website and entering your VIN. If your vehicle is afflicted, Audi will provide you with a list of authorized dealerships where you can take your car to get the water pump repaired. You may be eligible for reimbursement from Audi. To find out if you are eligible, fill out Audi’s online claim form. Be sure to include all relevant information, such as your VIN, the date of the incident, and any repairs you have had to make. You can also consult with an attorney about your legal options. An experienced attorney will evaluate your case and advise you of the best course of action.
Bottom Line
Because of the defective water pump that led to overheating and engine failure in some vehicles, Audi is now facing several class action lawsuits. Many consumers stated that the company was aware of the problem but had done nothing so far. Audi contends that it has not learned of the defect and has commenced its investigation. The German-based automaker agreed to replace or repair all the vehicles in question. But, it could face fines or other repercussions from the government if it did not comply with the orders. At the Lemon Firm, our experienced Attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle with manufacturer defects, and we can do the same for you. Call (833) Lemon-Firm to speak with a Lemon law expert today.