Category: Audi

Man in Audi with start/stop delays.

Start/Stop Delays in Audi Models

Posted on
By: Michael H. Rosenstein, Esq.

Audi is a German automobile manufacturer that designs, manufactures, produces, and markets luxury vehicles with nine production facilities worldwide. It is a member of the popular Volkswagen group and over the years, Audi has developed a strong reputation as a luxury car maker.  Despite possessing a reputable position in the market, it has fallen prey to several user complaints that have advanced to class-action lawsuits against the brand. A faulty start/stop technology in the Audi models has attracted several complaints leading up to recent lawsuit about the faulty start/stop system.

If you have faced serious problems with the start/stop system in your Audi vehicle, CCA is here to help. We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What Are the Start/Stop Delay Issues Affecting Audis?

Over the last few years, several Audi models have been targeted in lawsuits because of the vehicles’ faulty start/stop technology. The start/stop system was developed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by automatically shutting off the engine when it comes to a halt, like at a traffic light or stop sign. This feature is also designed to seamlessly turn back on once the brake is released. The complaints state that the start/stop switches off automatically even when driving at low speeds. Thus, a delay in functionality suggests a faulty design problem, which can also be potentially dangerous when operating a vehicle with such a defect. Drivers have also reported that, when the engine manages to finally turn on, the vehicle suddenly jolts forward instead of gradually increasing in speed. 

A plaintiff described the issues as follows: “The start-stop system automatically switches off the engine when the car is moving at a low speed or is stopped, for example at traffic lights, and starts it automatically when the speed increases or the journey continues. As the car is braking to a standstill, the system switches off the engine and signals this via a symbol on the dashboard. When you release the brake pedal to continue on your journey, the engine starts, and the symbol on the dashboard is removed. When the Audi comes to a stop, at a traffic light, for instance, the control unit shuts off the engine. The driver must keep the brake pedal depressed (automatic transmission) or release the clutch pedal (manual transmission). A powerful starter energized by a heavy-duty, deep-cycle battery restarts the engine quickly and easily when the driver releases the brake or steps on the clutch again to engage a gear.”

An owner of a 2020 Audi Q3 further expanded on the issues: “Auto stop/start system lags, causing the steering wheel to lock up, preventing a turn through an intersection, or into a shopping area! This occurred as I was attempting a turn, from a complete stop, into a strip shopping center, in the Baltimore area.”

Apart from the issues discussed above, reports state that a problem also occurs when the driver buckles his seatbelt and pushes the ignition button, but the button glitches and fails to start the engine. 

What are the legal actions that have been taken to address the faulty start/stop system in the Audi vehicles?

Since this issue has been prevalent in different models across the Audi lineup, it has managed to attract quite a bit of legal attention around the world. Attorneys are further looking into the issue to determine if a certain manufacturing malfunction is causing the problem so that a class action lawsuit can be filed on behalf of the affected Audi owners.

A successful lawsuit may help those affected to get reimbursed by Audi and may also force Audi to order a recall for the remaining defected vehicles. 

What Can I Do if My Vehicle is Facing Any of the Issues Discussed Above?

If your Audi has been facing any issues regarding the automatic start/stop system or if you have been noticing the problems discussed above, please reach out to the attorneys at CCA as we are here to understand your problems and provide you with viable solutions for your defected vehicle. Our firm is equipped with a team of experienced and committed lawyers who are ready to guide you in the right direction.

Please feel free to contact our experts for a free consultation at: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

An Audi Q-7 with a fuel system issue.

Fuel System Problems in Audi Q-Series SUV Vehicles

Posted on
By Michelle Fausto

Volkswagen-owned Audi guarantees that “every Audi SUV embodies our commitment to safety, versatility, and the sheer enjoyment of the ride.”  However, VW-Audi’s promises of safety are belied by recent fuel system problems found in some Audi Q-series vehicles. Audi has been forced to recently issue a series of recalls relating to the fuel and cooling systems on its Q3, Q5, and Q7 SUVs as a result of increased customer complaints and warranty repairs.  If your Audi Q3, Q5, or Q7 has suffered excessive repairs or days down for service, we invite you to contact the lemon law experts at CCA for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

Fuel and Cooling System Problems in Audi Q5, Q7, and Several A-Series Vehicles 

Cooling systems ensure that heat is absorbed from a car’s engine and is released through the radiator. The job of a coolant pump is to transfer heat away from the engine, but if the coolant pump fails then the cooling system can overheat.  More than 342,800 Audi vehicles equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, which contain an electric coolant pump, were recalled in April 2018. Among these vehicles includes the 2013-2017 Audi Q5, Audi A5 Cabriolet, and A5 Sedans models. The electric coolant pumps are said to be susceptible to debris blockage, which in turn can cause the whole cooling system to overheat or short-circuit due to excessive moisture accumulation within the pump. A fire can break out due to overheating and short-circuits. 

List of vehicles affected by Recall 19N3/19N4 for defective electric coolant pumps: 

  • 2013-2017 Audi Q5 
  • 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet 
  • 2013-2017 A5 Sedan 
  • 2012-2015 Audi A6 
  • 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan 
  • 2013-2016 Audi A4 Allroad

In a most recent case, Audi vehicles like the 2016-2018 Q7, A6, and A7 were also affected by defects that may increase the risk of a car fire. Volkswagen Group recalled these vehicles in January 2019 because of a defect on the left and right fuel rails that can lead to fuel leakage. Because fuel rails deliver fuel to the injectors, a fuel leakage can possibly lead to a fire. At least 74,800 Audi vehicles faced a risk of fuel leakage. 

List of vehicles affected by Recall 24DP for fuel rail defects: 

  • 2016-2018 Audi Q7 
  • 2016-2018 Audi A6 
  • 2016-2018 Audi A7 
  • 2015-2018 Audi A8 

On a similar note, 2013-2017 Audi Q5 and Q7 vehicles were recalled (Recall 20Z8) in May 2017 for problems of fuel leakage. More than 240,400 vehicles were at risk of experiencing a crack on their vehicle’s fuel tank flange. If the leak is found near an ignition source, the car can catch on fire. Many consumers have reported signs of gasoline order and their check-engine light turning on, signs of a leaky flange. 

What Have Consumers Been Saying About Their Fuel System? 

Several Audi Q5 owners have expressed their complaints with the fuel system. One owner said that they received a letter from Audi regarding electric coolant pump issues. They were frustrated that Audi had not provided parts to fix the problem in a timely manner; Instead, owners were advised by Audi to “park the vehicle outside at night so that if it does catch fire, it is less likely to burn down your house”. Another Audi Q5 owner complained of the car smelling “like unburned raw fuel” when it’s parked in the garage, calling it a “safety, health, and environmental” concern. 

Audi Q7 owners also express concerns about their safety when driving their cars. One consumer said they are concerned with their safety because they smell gas whenever they park their car and “even after a short drive of about 3 miles”. Another consumer had a terrifying experience with their Q7, recalling that the gas pipe above their Audi’s engine popped when they tried to start the car. This issue caused gas to leak out, which they state might have caused the car to catch fire if the engine would’ve been hot. 

How We Can Help 

If you purchased or leased one of these vehicles and have experienced serious unsolved fuel system defects, our expert lemon law attorneys at CCA are eager to help. To get connected with our attorneys and receive a free consultation, please contact us today at (833) LEMON-FIRM.