Audi and VW reach settlement in class-action lawsuit about expensive repairs on popular model

Audi and VW have reached a resolution in a class-action lawsuit concerning their turbocharged engines, focusing on the initial three iterations of the EA888 2.0-liter turbo four. The contention suggested that these turbochargers had inherent issues leading to premature failure, a claim that VWG refuted, despite agreeing to provide reimbursements and an extended warranty to affected customers.

The range of impacted vehicles spans various models from 2008 to 2024, encompassing popular choices such as the Audi Q5 and VW Golf GTI. Anyone who has experienced turbocharger-related repair costs on an Audi or VW model featuring the initial three editions of the EA888 engine could be eligible for restitution following the settlement of the Kimball v. Volkswagen Group of America case. Formal approval from a New Jersey U.S. District Court is still pending, after which members of the settlement class may seek compensation.

Although Volkswagen Group disputes the allegations surrounding the turbochargers’ defects and likelihood of early malfunction, it has opted to settle the lawsuit, agreeing to refund class members who incurred expenses repairing the supposedly faulty turbochargers out of their pockets.

Individuals interested in applying for compensation will need to furnish evidence of the repair, such as invoices or written estimates, conducted within the initial 85,000 miles or 8.5 years from the affected vehicle’s in-service commencement. Documentation specifying a malfunctioning wastegate as the cause of the repair qualifies for a 50 percent refund, whereas repairs without a specific reason cited are eligible for up to a 40 percent reimbursement. Those who sought repairs from unauthorized dealers could receive a maximum of $3,580. All claims must be either submitted online or via mail by November 29, 2025.

Owners seeking confirmation on whether their vehicles are covered by the settlement should verify their VIN numbers using the online tool or phone 1-855-779-6685. The settlement encompasses an array of Audi and VW models, albeit not every vehicle from each model year is included.

For individuals currently possessing or leasing a model equipped with the third-gen EA888 engine, the VW Group will extend a warranty that foots half the expenditure for turbocharger repair or replacement by an authorized dealer. This must transpire within 8.5 years from the in-service date. Should the vehicle surpass this mark, the warranty extension will remain valid until either November 14, 2025, or 85,000 miles, whichever comes first.