Volkswagen Water Pump Class Action Settlement Announced. 4 Million Vehicles Affected.

Last Updated on February 12, 2024

If you’re a Volkswagen or Audi owner that’s been dealing with engine problems due to a defective water pump, there’s some potentially good news heading your way. A class action settlement has been announced, affecting roughly four million Volkswagen and Audi car owners.

If you currently or previously owned or leased a Volkswagen brand vehicle equipped with a 1.8L or 2.0L engine in the United States or Puerto Rico, you may be entitled to benefits afforded by the class action settlement. Here’s what you need to know.

VW Water Pump Problems

Vehicle owners have alleged that a defective with the primary engine water pump causes premature failure of the cooling system. As a result, the engine lacks the ability to maintain optimal operational temperatures. The lack of proper cooling when the vehicle is in use leads to engine overheating, which potentially results in sudden and catastrophic engine failure.

Compounding the problems even further, owners allege when the engine overheats the vehicle suddenly loses power. This puts both the occupants of the vehicle and others on the road at risk of a potential crash.

Roughly 4 million Volkswagen and Audi vehicles with the 1.8L and 2.0L engine are affected by this defect.

Owners Forced to Pay Out-of-Pocket for Repairs

Making matters worst, vehicle owners often had to pay out-of-pocket for costly vehicle repairs due to cooling problems. The class action alleges that despite notice and knowledge of the defect from numerous sources, Volkswagen failed to recall or repair vehicles free of charge.

Settlement Members Will Receive Reimbursement and Warranty Extensions

The terms of the Volkswagen water pump settlement are intended to benefit all Class Members, not just those who have taken legal action. Under the terms of the settlement, Class Members can receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket repair expenses and warranty extensions.

Class Members who had to pay out of pocket for water pump related repairs will be reimbursed based on age of vehicle and mileage.

Warranty Extension Terms

Volkswagen will extend its New Vehicle Limited Warranties (“NVLW”) to cover one (1) repair or replacement of a failed primary engine water pump, by an authorized Volkswagen (“VW”) dealer. The warranty extension protects vehicle owners for up to eight (8) years or eighty thousand (80,000) miles, whichever occurs first. The extended warranty covers the primary engine water pump and all parts and labor necessary to effectuate that repair.

Time/Mileage Parameters and Percentage Limits of Warranty Extension Coverage

Reimbursement Terms

Additionally, Volkswagen will reimburse those Class Members for out-of-pocket expenses due to water pump failure. However, if the vehicle was repaired by an independent mechanic then the total reimbursement will be limited to $1,150.00.

Time/Mileage Parameters and Percentage Limits of Repair Reimbursement

You may be eligible for a Claim for Reimbursement of past paid and unreimbursed expenses if you meet certain criteria. To find out if you qualify, please click here.

Volkswagen and Audi Models Affected

The following Volkswagen and Audi models are affected by this settlement:

• 2019-2021 Volkswagen Arteon*
• 2018-2020 Volkswagen Atlas*
• 2020-2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport*
• 2014-2018 Volkswagen Beetle*
• 2015-2017 Volkswagen CC*
• 2015-2021 Volkswagen Golf*
• 2014-2021 Volkswagen Jetta*
• 2014-2021 Volkswagen Passat*
• 2020-2021 Volkswagen Terramont*
• 2018-2021 Volkswagen Tiguan*
• 2015-2020 Audi A3*
• 2015-2020 Audi A4*
• 2015-2020 Audi A5*
• 2015-2020 Audi A6*
• 2015-2021 Audi Q3*
• 2015-2021 Audi Q5*
• 2017-2020 Audi Q7*
• 2015-2020 Audi TT*

*Not all of the vehicles within these models and model years are Settlement Class Vehicles. To check if your vehicle is a Settlement Class Vehicle, please click the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) Lookup Portal and type in your vehicle’s VIN to see if it is covered by the Settlement.

Status of the Volkswagen Water Pump Class Action Litigation

Zhao, et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., et al. Civil Action No. 2:21-cv-11251 was filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey on March 3, 2022. This lawsuit is now settled.

Volkswagen Settlement Notice
Audi Settlement Notice

What Action Volkswagen and Audi Owners Need to Take?

If you currently or previously owned or leased a certain Volkswagen or Audi brand vehicle equipped with a 1.8L or 2.0L engine in the United States or Puerto Rico, you may be entitled to benefits afforded by a class action settlement.

To submit a claim, please visit Zhao, et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. settlement site. Claim deadline is September 8, 2022. Claim forms must include documentation of expenses, including receipts, invoices, and other proof.

Settlement Website: Waterpumpsettlement.com

Contact Details:
Water Pump Settlement – 7577
PO Box 2636
Faribault, MN 55021-9636

Phone: 1-833-711-0261
Email: [email protected]

VW Water Pump Settlement FAQs

Why Is My Volkswagen Not Part of the Settlement?

If you used the VIN lookup tool and find your particular model Volkswagen is not included in the settlement, this means it doesn’t have the problem at issue.

Will Volkswagen Replace the Water Pump Even if it Hasn’t Failed Yet?

No, the water pump will only be replaced under the settlement agreement only if it fails within the extended warranty period.

My Water Pump Was Recently Replaced, How Do I Get Reimbursed?

If you paid out-of-pocket for a water pump replacement within the warranty period and your vehicle is part of this settlement, you must submit your information and receipts for all work no later than 09/08/22 for reimbursement.

Volkswagen Reimbursement Form
Audi Reimbursement Form

Questions About This Settlement?

MyCarVoice.com is not counsel or the settlement administrator in this class action lawsuit. Our goal is to inform owners of these vehicles of the recent settlement. This post will be updated when/if new settlement information is released. Please considering subscribing to this post for updates.

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Image credit: Cesar Salazar, Unsplash.com