Audi Q7 Squeaking Brakes Class Action Lawsuit Settlement


Agreement reached after two Audi owners claimed the Audi Q7’s front brakes squeak and squeak.

July 18, 2021 – The squeal of the Audi Q7’s brakes resulted in a class action lawsuit that has reached the settlement stage, although a judge has yet to give final approval to the settlement agreement.

Plaintiffs Valeria Mercado and Andrea Kristyanne Holmes claim the Audi Q7’s screeching front brakes distract Audi drivers and others on the streets.

The first class action lawsuit covered the Q7 SUVs from 2015-2018, but the settlement only covers the SUVs from 2017 and 2018.

Although Audi agreed to settle the lawsuit to end it after the class action lawsuit was amended and re-filed five times, the automaker says there is nothing wrong with the Audi Q7 vehicles.

Audi says the owner’s manual clearly states that brake noises can occur for a variety of reasons.

Audi also told the judge the original plaintiff never said the brakes did not slow the vehicle, and the automaker also argues that brake “noise” is not the same as brake “defect”.

Settlement in Audi Brakes class action

The Audi Q7 Screeching Brakes class action lawsuit includes:

“Any person or entity who has purchased or leased a 2017 or 2018 model year Audi Q7 vehicle that was imported and distributed by VWGoA for sale or lease in the United States or Puerto Rico.”

Extended warranty for current owners and tenants

According to the class action lawsuit, the Audi Q7 vehicle comes with a new vehicle limited warranty that says Audi will cover all repairs to fix a defect in materials or workmanship from a manufacturer for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Audi Q7 customers will receive an “extended warranty” as part of the legal dispute, but it is questionable how many customers will benefit from the so-called “extension”.

The original warranty is for 4 years or 50,000 miles and the billing states:

With effect from the termination date, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is extending its new vehicle limited warranties applicable to vehicles in this class to one (1) repair of a diagnosed condition of front brake squeal by an authorized Audi dealer for a period of four years or less 48,000 miles (whichever comes first) from the in-service date of the class vehicle (hereinafter the ‘Extended Warranty’). “

If a vehicle was first put into operation in 2017, the “extended warranty” may have already expired.

The “Extended Warranty Repair” consists of replacing the front brake pads and installing a new lower spring in each front brake caliper so that there are two springs per caliper.

However, this is the same repair that VW offered in the previous technical service leaflets 2050735 (2017 Audi Q7) and 2050737 (2018 Audi Q7).

It is also possible that an Audi Q7 does not qualify for the repair:

“Front brake squeal due to misuse, abuse, alteration or modification, collision or accident, vandalism, lack of or improper maintenance and / or damage from environmental influences or external sources is excluded and not covered.” Audi Q7 brakes settlement agreement

Since the “extended warranty” settlement may have expired for some customers before the settlement is even finally approved by a judge, the settlement states:

“If the extended warranty in respect of a particular class member has expired under its terms, he or she can still get its value through the reimbursement component of the settlement.”

Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

Current or former owners / lessees of 2017-2018 Audi Q7 vehicles who have paid eligible expenses may be eligible for reimbursement for “covered repairs” (screeching of the front brakes) of a vehicle prior to the date of class action.

Repairs must be completed within four years or 48,000 miles of the vehicle was first put into service.

However, if a customer paid for multiple repairs, billing will only reimburse one repair for screeching front brakes.

If the repair was done by an Audi dealer, a customer can get the full amount for parts, labor and taxes.

If the repair was performed by a third party, a customer is entitled to a 50% refund for a covered repair.

“Within the scope of the settlement are certain costs, including but not limited to costs incurred for the screeching of the front brakes due to modification of / on brake components, misuse, abuse, alteration or modification, collision or accident, lack of or improper maintenance, and / or damage from environmental or other external sources is excluded from the reimbursement. “

A customer must submit an application form by US mail along with documents showing that the brake repair was completed within four years or 48,000 miles of the vehicle was first put into service.

Plaintiffs attorneys are expected to receive $ 1,960,000 in fees, costs, and expenses.

The Audi Q7 Screeching Brakes class action lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California: Mercado, et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. d / b / a Audi of America, Inc.

Plaintiffs are represented by Ahdoot & Wolfson, PC, Greg Coleman Law, and Whitfield, Bryson & Mason.

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