On June 22, 2007 Pearson, Simon, Soter, Warshaw & Penny, LLP filed a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen alleging that the timing belts for model year 1999 - 2003 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles equipped with a 1.8 liter turbo-charged engine fail prematurely. The vehicles included are the Audi TT, Audi A4 and Volkswagen Passat. The complaint alleges that the timing belts fail prior to the service interval, as stated in the owner's manual. Plaintiff, on behalf of herself and the Class, is seeking reimbursement for the damages incurred relating to timing belt failures. Additionally, the complaint seeks an order requiring Volkswagen and Audi to update their owner's manuals to require periodic inspections.
UPDATE: The parties have reached a class-wide settlement. Preliminary approval of the settlement was granted by the court on May 19, 2008. Claim forms, class notice and other documentation will be mailed on or about August 1, 2008. The court will hold a hearing for final approval of the settlement on November 3, 2008.
Complete details regarding the terms of the settlement will be in the notice sent to owners of the class vehicles via U.S. Mail. However, to summarize, for qualifying class members, the settlement provides: (1) 100% reimbursement for Covered Engine Damage relating to timing belt failures, including repairing the vehicle, towing, alternate transportation, and lodging expense; (2) an extended warranty; and (3) a revised maintenance program.
If you would like to contact PSSW&P about this case, please contact us.
