Volkswagen, Audi water pump class action settlement

Volkswagen and Audi agreed to a class action lawsuit settlement to resolve claims that its vehicles were equipped with a defective water pump that could lead to engine failure.

The settlement benefits current and former owners and lessees of certain Volkswagen and Audi vehicles that were originally sold or leased in Canada. Drivers can check their vehicle VIN for eligibility on the settlement website.

Plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit claim the water pumps found in certain Volkswagen and Audi vehicles were defective. These parts could allegedly fail and, in extreme cases, cause engine failure.

Volkswagen is a German automotive manufacturer with several other subsidiaries, including Audi, another luxury vehicle brand.

Volkswagen and Audi have not admitted wrongdoing but agreed to pay an undisclosed sum as part of a settlement to resolve the water pump class action lawsuit.

Under the terms of the settlement, class members can receive up to a 100% refund for repair or replacement of the primary engine water pump or of a failed or damaged engine due to the primary engine water pump failing.

Class members with certain model year 2008-2014 vehicles who previously had their primary engine water pump repaired or replaced due to failure and paid out of pocket before the introduction of the warranty extension on Feb. 1, 2024, can receive, within 10 years or 160,000 kilometres, whichever comes first:

• 100% refund if the repair or replacement was completed by a VW or Audi dealer, or up to $1,150 if completed by a non-VW or Audi dealer, if within eight years or 125,000 kilometres 
• 70% refund if the repair or replacement was completed by a VW or Audi dealer, or up to $805 if completed by a non-VW or Audi dealer, if after eight years or 125,000 kilometres but within 10 years or 160,000 kilometres

Class members with certain 2014-2021 vehicles who previously had the repairs performed within eight years or 125,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first, can receive a 100% refund if the repair or replacement was completed by a VW or Audi dealer, or up to $1,275 if the work was completed by a non-VW or Audi dealer.

Class members with certain 2008-2014 vehicles who previously had to have a failed or damaged engine repaired or replaced due to failure of the primary engine water pump may be entitled to reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses that occurred before the Feb. 1 warranty extension if the repair was performed within 10 years or 160,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first. If a VW or Audi dealer performed the repair, the class member may receive up to 100% reimbursement, subject to certain parameters. If the work was completed by a non-VW or Audi dealer, the class member may be entitled to 100% reimbursement up to a maximum of $4,842, subject to certain parameters.

For certain 2014-2021 vehicles, the class member may be entitled to up to 100% reimbursement for the repair, subject to certain mileage and other parameters, within eight years or 125,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first. If the a non-VW or Audi dealer completed the repair, the class member may be eligible to claim up to 100% reimbursement, up to a maximum of $5,203, subject to certain parameters.

Certain limitations apply; more detail is available in the settlement agreement.

In addition to receiving reimbursement for past repairs, class members can receive a warranty extension. Vehicles from 2008 to 2014 will receive an extended water pump and related engine failure warranty of 10 years or 160,000 kilometres. Vehicles from 2014 to 2021 will receive an extended water pump and related engine failure warranty of eight years or 125,000 kilometres. No claim form is required for the warranty extension benefits.

There is no exclusion or objection deadline listed on the settlement website.

The settlement was granted final approval on Dec. 1, 2023.

In order to receive settlement benefits, class members must submit a valid claim form by June 3, 2024.

Who’s Eligible

Current and former owners and lessees of certain Volkswagen and Audi vehicles that were originally sold or leased in Canada.

Affected models:

Potential Award

Varies

Proof of Purchase

Vehicle VIN or claim ID and PIN

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

06/03/2024

Case Name

Covill v. Volkswagen Group Canada Inc., et al., Case No. QBG 2776 of 2018, in the Court of Queen’s Bench for Saskatchewan

Final Hearing

12/01/2023

Settlement Website

CanadianWaterPumpSettlement.ca

Claims Administrator

RicePoint Administration Inc.
Engine Water Pump Settlement Administrator
1480 Richmond St. #204
London, ON N6G 0J4
866-642-0774

Class Counsel

E F Anthony Merchant KC
MERCHANT LAW GROUP LLP

Defense Counsel

Robin Squires
John Hunter
BORDEN LADNER GERVAIS LLP