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If you own or lease a 2019-2023 Volkswagen Atlas or Atlas Cross Sport, you may be part of a recently settled class action lawsuit concerning defective front door wiring harnesses.
The lawsuit claims that the vehicles’ wiring harnesses may malfunction, potentially leading to serious issues. Although Volkswagen denies the allegations, a settlement has been reached that offers certain benefits, including a warranty extension and reimbursement for repair expenses. However, opting out of the settlement may allow you to pursue greater compensation through lemon law protections.
Important Dates and Deadlines
It’s essential to keep track of these key deadlines if you want to take action regarding the settlement:
| Option | Event | Deadline |
| Submit a Claim Form | Submit a claim for reimbursement or warranty extension | December 24, 2024 (postmarked or submitted online) |
| Exclude Yourself (Opt-Out) | Opt-out of the settlement to pursue individual legal action | November 25, 2024 (postmarked) |
| Object to the Settlement | File an objection to the settlement terms | November 25, 2024 (postmarked) |
| Final Fairness Hearing | Court hearing to decide on settlement approval | January 15, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. (EST) |
Overview of the Settlement
The class action focuses on claims that the front door wiring harnesses in certain Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models are defective. These wiring harnesses control various electrical functions within the door, and when they fail, they can cause warning lights to activate, door components to malfunction, or other electrical issues. Though Volkswagen denies that the wiring harnesses are defective, a settlement has been reached to resolve these claims.
What Benefits Does the Settlement Provide?
The settlement offers two main forms of relief for affected vehicle owners: a warranty extension and reimbursement for past repairs.
- Extended Warranty
Starting on October 10, 2024, Volkswagen will extend the New Vehicle Limited Warranty (NVLW) for affected models. This extension covers the cost of repairing or replacing faulty front door wiring harnesses for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date the recall repair was completed.
The extended warranty covers not only the replacement of the wiring harness but also any necessary adjustments to resolve warning lights or fault codes that result from the harness issue.
- Reimbursement for Out-of-Pocket Repair Expenses
If you paid for repairs related to the wiring harness issue before October 10, 2024, you may be eligible for reimbursement. You must submit a completed claim form by December 24, 2024, to qualify. Additionally, you’ll need to provide documentation showing that the repairs were performed within seven years or 100,000 miles of the vehicle’s service date.
For example, If you had repairs completed between December 22, 2022, and October 10, 2024, you’ll also need to prove that you attempted to get the recall repaired by an authorized Volkswagen dealer but were unable to because of part unavailability.
- Opting Out to Preserve Your Lemon Law Rights
While the settlement provides some relief, it may not fully compensate you for the problems caused by a defective wiring harness. By staying in the settlement, you will only be entitled to an extended warranty and reimbursement for past expenses. However, if you believe the issues with your vehicle are more serious, opting out of the settlement may allow you to seek more significant compensation under lemon law protections.
By opting out of the settlement before the November 25, 2024, deadline, you retain your right to pursue legal action independently. This could lead to a buyback of your vehicle if you qualify under the lemon law, potentially offering a more favorable financial outcome than the settlement’s benefits.
What Should You Do Next?
Your course of action depends on your circumstances and the severity of the issues you’ve experienced with your vehicle.
- If You Choose to Stay in the Settlement
- Submit a Claim Form: To be eligible for reimbursement, submit your claim online or by mail before December 24, 2024.
- Extended Warranty: If you’re still driving the vehicle, you can take advantage of the extended warranty for future repairs related to the wiring harness issue.
- If You Want to Opt-Out
- Opt-Out Deadline: If you believe your vehicle qualifies for a lemon law claim and you want to pursue a buyback or other compensation, you must opt out of the settlement by November 25, 2024. Doing so will preserve your legal rights to seek further compensation.
- Objecting to the Settlement
- Objecting Deadline: If you disagree with the terms of the settlement but still want to remain in the class action, you can file an objection by November 25, 2024. You will need to submit your reasons for the objection to the court, and you can still participate in the settlement if it’s approved.
How Volkswagen Owners Can Take Back Control
While this class action lawsuit has been initiated, thousands of Volkswagen owners are likely affected by the same brake defect, with many expressing dissatisfaction over Honda’s inadequate solutions. These types of issues often lead to escalated legal action, highlighting the importance of protecting consumer rights.
If you struggle with vehicle troubles and feel cornered against big vehicle brands, remember it is always better to have experts with you. With extensive experience and successful cases at hand, The Lemon Firm is your best bet. With the dedicated team members always at your disposal, the package becomes too good to be true. So, if your car is giving you a headache, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Call 833 Lemon Firm and speak with a case analyst today!